Coffee nurseries for Jiwaka

By ZACHERY PER

COFFEE production in Jiwaka is set to be increased following an official launch of over 500,000 coffee nurseries to replace the aging tree stocks over the weekend.

Agriculture Minister Tommy Tomscoll launched the Jiwaka central coffee nursery project at Numans village in the North Waghi district, which was initiated by the Coffee Industry Corporation 

(CIC).

He urged the people of the three districts in Jiwaka to take ownership of the project and reap maximum benefits out of it and replace their aging coffee trees. 

Tomscoll commended the landowners for allowing their land to be used for the project which will help to increase coffee production in the province and the country. 

He urged the people to take ownership of the project and not to cause law and order problems.

“Coffee industry looks after three million people  starting from the small family units, it is an excellent opportunity to get the project as CIC is now focusing on coming down to the districts to assist coffee stakeholders,” Tomscoll said.

He pointed out that coffee was a renewable resource but the industry has been been on the decline.

“We need to replace aging trees, you must plant increased number of coffee trees because the World market for coffee is good as the coffee drinking population in the World is increasing,” Tomscoll said.

“Today is the opportune time to grow and invest in coffee, the 

problems we face is trees are 

aging so now CIC is now going to the districts to do nurseries to replant. 

“But we need political support and will from MPs and stakeholders,” Tomscoll said.

CIC chief executive officer Anton Benjamin said Jiwaka had the potential to produce 1.3 million bags exportable coffee bean.

“However, the province today produces 101,566 bags that leaves a lot of room for improvements when the province has 50 plantations and blocks. 

“There is no reason why Jiwaka Province to take back stage, CIC in its wisdom decided to establish t-he largest coffee nursery in Jiwaka Province which will supply half a million seedlings on an annual basis,” he said.

He said the nursery is located within the proximity of large plantations such as Kimel, Koban, Kalanga, Bunum-Wau, Warakar and Kar Kopi to serve plantations, blocks and small-scale growers.

“The Government is committed to continue funding the project under CIC, I acknowledge the landowners who make their land available for this important project,” Benjamin said.