-gets modern peanut processing factory
A MODERN peanut processing factory was opened in the village of Aranaputa Valley in the North Rupununi on Thursday March 11 last.
The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives was one of more than ten contributors to this project, including USAID (US Agency For International Development), the American Embassy, the Society for Sustainable Operational Strategies (SSOS), Peanut CRSP, and the Aranaputa Processors Friendly Society which were behind the successful completion and opening of the factory.
The facility is being   managed by a group of women from Aranaputa registered as the Aranaputa Processors Friendly Society, and will process approximately 20,000 lbs of peanuts in 2010, with production projected to reach 60,000 lbs by 2012.
The peanut butter produced will be used in the school snack expansion programme in Region Nine (Upper Takatu/Upper Essequibo) which is being managed by SSOS in accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the Ministry of Education.
Aranaputa will benefit, but it is only one of thirty-three villages involved in this expansion programme.