Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, March 12, 2024 – Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has reaffirmed the government’s dedication to fuelling the growth of the oil palm industry in Papua New Guinea. The sector, which stands as the country’s leading agricultural export, generated over K2.8 billion in exports in 2022, marking a pivotal contribution to the national economy.
Prime Minister Marape highlighted the government’s support through the allocation of over K3.5 million to the National Oil Palm Intervention Programme (NOPIP), a strategic initiative overseen by the Oil Palm Industry Corporation (OPIC), since last year. “This funding is directed towards bolstering the production capabilities of the industry by addressing one of its critical challenges – the ageing of palm trees, which has been a significant factor in declining production rates,” he said.
“Under the stewardship of Oil Palm Minister Hon. Francis Maneke, the programme has seen substantial progress. Minister Maneke has been proactive, traversing the nation to ensure the effective distribution of funds to millers. This financial support facilitates the supply of quality seedlings to smallholder growers, aiming to rejuvenate their fields with new, high-yielding palm trees.”
The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude towards Minister Maneke, the major milling companies, and OPIC for their unwavering support of this vital initiative.
Last year’s intervention was K576,000 to New Britain Palm Oil Ltd (NBPOL) to distribute 48, 000 seedlings (K18 per seedling) to cover 400-hectares at Hoskins; and K288,000 to Hargy Oil Palm for 24,000 seedlings to replant 200ha at Bialla.
This year, more allocations have been made, including a notable K540,000 to NBPOL for the distribution of 35,000 seedlings, aimed at revitalising 250ha in Hoskins; K216,000 to Hargy Oil Palms for 14,000 seedlings to rejuvenate 100ha in Bialla; and another round of K540,000 to NBPOL for the same purpose in Oro.
Further commitments were announced, with plans to allocate K216,000 to NBPOL for 100ha in Milne Bay, and K324,000 for 21,000 seedlings to cover 150ha in New Ireland. These efforts underscore the government’s concern over the ageing palm trees and its commitment to reviving the industry amid economic challenges and rising living costs.
Prime Minister Marape emphasised the importance of providing high-quality seedlings to support local growers, ensuring the sustainability of the oil palm crop across the nation. “The initiative not only aims to boost production but also to provide substantial support to smallholder growers throughout Papua New Guinea, marking a commendable step towards enhancing the livelihoods of those dependent on agriculture,” he said.
“This initiative to support replanting is commendable and will greatly benefit smallholders.
“This signals a bright future for the oil palm industry and its significant contribution to the nation’s economic resilience.”
###
