Govt plans to develop Yalu dairy farm to cut imports

Business

By PISAI GUMAR
THE Government plans to invest between K150 million and K200 million to develop the Yalu dairy farm in Wampar, Huon Gulf, in Morobe.
Minister for National Planning and Monitoring Richard Maru said the Yalu dairy farm would double the size of what was produced at the Ilimo dairy farm outside Port Moresby. “We will produce our own milk to minimise the cost of imports and retail prices while creating employment through encouraging agriculture and livestock activities,” Maru said.
Developer Innovative Agro Industry Ltd chief executive Lior Crystal accompanied Maru to Yalu village on Sunday. They toured the 250 hectares of land with Mopong business group chairman Kolam Kepuctong, executives and the people.
“It is a historical moment for Yalu villagers and Morobe to partner with the Government and investor IAI LR Group to shift the focus to agriculture,” Maru said.
“We are here to survey and confirm the land status, put in place shareholding structure and development plans and submit the proposal to NEC (National Executive Council) for approval. The ground-breaking of the project (should be done) by end of January 2018.”
Crystal said the LR Group had 35 years of experience in agricultural business and had established seven project sites in country since 2012.
The production line will begin with milk, yogurt and ice cream followed by other foods and drinks.