Domestication potential and marketing of Canarium indicum nuts in the Pacific: producer and consumer surveys in Papua New Guinea (East New Britain)

As part of a feasibility study of (he commercialization potential of C. indicum nuts in Papua New Guinea, participatory rural appraisals assessed the interest of 148 producers across three areas of East New Britain (Gazelle, Duke of York atolls and Pomio), and the interest of 174 consumers in urban markets and supermarkets in three urban centres (Rabaul, Lae and Port Moresby). Producers and consumers ranked C. indicum as the most important nut tree species for both food and income generation. The tree also produces a quality timber and other forest products. All consumers interviewed regularly ate the nut kernels, both raw and as an ingredient prepared with other foods. The average farming family generally had access to 5 to 12 trees. Most farmers would like to grow more of these trees to meet needs for food security and income generation. Only small numbers of trees have been deliberately planted by farmers, usually using local germplasm. Trees are recognized as varying in fruit/nut/kernel size and shape, kernel number per nut, fruit colour, shell colour, and in the ease of cracking the shell, and certain forms are preferred by producers and consumers. The kernels are generally sold direct to the general public at local markets wrapped in banana leaves or in baskets. The price is lowest in remote rural areas and highest in major towns. On average, farming families, in addition to bartering, make about US$13.6 per year from selling, but the distribution is skewed and some make much more. Income from the sale of kernels is generally used to offset food, store goods, medical expenses and transport costs. Most farmers said they could sell more kernels if they had them. Most consumers said that they would buy more if they were available. Evidence suggested that there would not be any consumer resistance to commercially processed and packaged nut industry in PNG. Two of the main problems recognized by farmers were the irregularity/seasonality of fruiting and lack of planting materials. In addition to inadequate supply, consumers indicated issues of low kernel quality arising from poor post-harvest handling, processing and storage. Farmers indicated enthusiasm to plant improved cultivars. Despite these problems, this survey concluded that both producers and consumers see great potential for the industry to grow, producing both fresh kernel for sale in local markets and commercially processed and packaged products for supermarkets and niche markets. Consequently, a joint domestication/commercialization programme for C. indicum has been initiated in support of enhanced livelihoods for subsistence farmers in Papua New Guinea