Brian Bell’s big heart puts right tools in farmers’ hands

FARMERS from Kairuku-Hiri in Central will receive tools from Brian Bell to help them grow maize for cattle at the Ilimo Dairy farm.
Some villages in the district have been involved with the maize outgrower farming pilot project since last year.
It is a project designed to provide feed to the Ilimo Dairy herd while creating cash-cropping opportunities for local farmers.
Innovative Agro Industry (IAI) business development manager Gallit Tamir said: “We are grateful for partners such as Brian Bell for coming onboard to support the Kairuku-Hiri maize farming community with his generous donation of tools and fertilisers.
“On behalf of Ilimo Dairy and the maize farmers involved in our programme, I want to say thank you”.
Ilimo Dairy has been working with partners at the Central province administration to provide seeds and advice to local farmers currently engaged in the maize outgrower pilot programme.
The dairy is a partnership between operators, agribusiness firm IAI PNG, Kumul Agriculture, and the people of Central.
Speaking at yesterday’s presentation at the Brian Bell premises at Gordon, Port Moresby, Brian Bell Chemicals divisional manager David Slape said: “Brian Bell is a company with a big heart, often supporting community initiatives.
“When I was approached with the opportunity to support local farmers to participate in the Ilimo Dairy maize farmers’ programme, I knew it was a great programme for Brian Bell to support.”
Brian Bell national sales and marketing coordinator John Tokunai spoke about how the company continued to support farmers throughout PNG with agricultural supplies.
He congratulated IAI, the operator of Ilimo Dairy, for the contributions the business had made to the agricultural industry, not just in Central but also in Enga, Southern Highlands, and Hela.
“IAI has changed the landscape of agriculture in PNG and the way we approach farming,” Tokunai said. Ilimo Dairy has been working with Central Province Women in Agriculture (CPWA) to ensure proper advice is given to the 500 local farmers who currently grow maize for the dairy farm.
CPWA representative Mary Apa has been coordinating the programme.
She has been liaising between the office of Kairuku-Hiri MP Peter Isoaimo, Central agriculture, and Ilimo Dairy farm. Apa was on hand to receive the donation.
She thanked Brian Bell for the donation, and acknowledged the ongoing support of Ilimo Dairy, Isoaimo and his staff for bringing this important cash-cropping opportunity to Kairuku-Hiri.
IAI PNG is working with both public sector and private sector partners to develop sustainable commercial agriculture projects throughout PNG that create avenues for meaningful participation for local communities.