CIC boss urges MPs to invest in coffee

COFFEE Industry Corporation chairman Patrick Komba has urged newly-elected MPs to invest in coffee as the crop for the future.
He reminded leaders yesterday that more than half of PNG’s population mostly living in the rural areas depended largely on coffee as major source of income to pay for school fees, new houses, customary obligations and other expenses.
“Although this was highlighted in household surveys of the CIC, the government has not really invested in the sector to improve the livelihood of the people,” Komba said.
“The elected leaders and governments in the past have totally turned a blind eye on coffee in the last decade despite its benefit to more than three million people.
“Despite an average of K500 million that coffee brings into PNG annually, only a small amount is allocated to coffee development.
“I now urge all MPs in the coffee growing provinces to set aside a special fund for coffee development in their respective districts and provinces.
“This investment will greatly help their people.
“With the LNG projects, coffee production is expected to drop as the government continues to limit its support for the industry.
“This will have tremendous effect on our rural economy and the livelihood of our people.
“I agree with the advocacy of many leaders and commentators for the government to seriously support agriculture using funds from LNG revenues.”
Komba, on behalf of more than three million coffee growers and employees of the PNG coffee, has congratulated all the newly-elected MPs from the Highlands and other coffee-growing provinces of PNG.
He said the past elections had been a costly one compared to previous elections.
“However, the people have spoken through the ballot by voting leaders who they think will lead them to prosperity.
“Obviously, the people’s vote signifies that they no longer want corruption and handouts but instead, reputable leaders and a stable government that can boost the rural economy and improve the infrastructure and law and order.”