CIC reveals partnership deals

Business
Source:
The National, Thursday July 7th, 2016

THE Coffee Industry Corporation has announced seven new partnership deals in its efforts to increase production and improve quality, according to the productive partnerships in agriculture project.
Project manager Potaisa Hombunaka said the agreement would see these private sector companies partner the coffee component of the project in industry rehabilitation work.
He made this known at a two-day training last Monday and Tuesday. “The new partnerships will cover additional 5888 coffee households totalling 2947 hectares,” Hombunaka said.
The industry coordination committee at its meeting in Jiwaka last month approved the final seven lead partners.
They were taken through the World Bank process and procedures by the PPAP consultants in the two-day meeting on how to plan, appropriate and account for the funds allocated under the project.
“We’ve tightened up some loose ends and we’re now on forward drive mode to deliver this project,” he said.
“In terms of governance, the PPAP model is being recognised. And as long as we work together, we can improve the wellbeing of our farmers.
“This is the expected outcome of this project.
CIC’s provincial farmer training and extension coordinator in SHP Stanley Mapua, said it was the first time for stakeholders in the provinces to participate.
“I’m impressed,” he said.
“The first signing was with New Britain Resources Development Ltd last Friday in Sinivit, East New Britain.
“Issues of governance is important for this project. This is to ensure lead partners are accountable and we do it right.”
The PPAP is a coffee rehabilitation project of the Coffee Industry Corporation funded through a loan from the World Bank, International Development Association and International Fund for Agricultural Development. It is counter-funded by the Government.