NGCHESAR, Palau — The Bureau of Agriculture’s Taro Flour Processing Center has resumed operations in Ngchesar after a temporary shutdown for repairs in September due to electrical and equipment failures. The center reopened in December, now operating biweekly instead of weekly.
Despite the reduced processing schedule, the center has significantly increased its taro purchases, rising from 200 pounds to 800 pounds per cycle.
“We’ve learned that having two weeks between processing gives us ample time to properly prepare the products,” said Alessa Aquon, manager of the Palau Taro Flour Project’s Food Processing Center.
Aquon noted that the center has adopted stricter quality control measures, becoming more selective with the taro it accepts. The taro undergoes rigorous inspections to ensure it is free from defects.
“Our goal is to produce high-quality flour products. Poor-quality taro results in poor-quality flour, leading to customer complaints. We are committed to maintaining high standards,” Aquon added.
Taro that does not meet quality standards, including those infected or damaged, will be rejected. This shift has raised concerns among farmers, with one noting that nearly half of her crop was rejected due to quality issues.
“We understand the challenges and will work with each of you to identify plant diseases and find solutions,” said Bureau of Agriculture Chief Tellei during a workshop with women’s groups involved in the Taro Seedling Project. (By: L.N. Reklai)