With 'Papuan Global', farmers take sugarcane on a sweet, syrupy ride

IT was more than 8,000 years ago that the indigenous Papuan tribes of New Guinea, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, first cultivated and domesticated sugarcane.

- LAKSHMI ATHIRA @Kannur

IT was more than 8,000 years ago that the indigenous Papuan tribes of New Guinea, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, first cultivated and domesticated sugarcane. Today, a group of farmers from Pattuvam, Kannur is building a thriving business around the same crop, under the name Papuan Global Pvt Ltd.

The small-scale unit, specialising in sugarcane syrup, recently gained prominence after receiving a special mention in the state budget. Finance Minister K N Balagopal highlighted Papuan Global's initiative in the value-added food-products category, recognising its impact on the local economy.