Hybrid project needs seedlings

By GLORIA BAUAI
A COMPANY in Kairuku, Central, tasked with developing varieties of coconut needs more seeds and seedlings, according to the PNG Farmers and Settlers Association.
Association president Wilson Thompson said the Galley Reach Holdings Ltd had been working with the Kokonas Indastri Koporesen (KIK) to run a nursery and plots of native and hybrid coconut varieties at its Hisiu plantation in the past four years.
The association was recently approached by the company that they were running short of seeds and seedlings for the proposed commercial planting.
“I visited the demonstration plot at Gabadi and also their old plantation at Hisiu and realised that we really need more seeds and seedlings, at least 500,000, to engage in an efficient replanting and new programme,” Thompson said.
The association then requested KIK, the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and the National Agriculture and Quarantine Inspection Authority to facilitate the importation of seeds from overseas.
“This will require your officers to organise visit to the source of the seeds and nursery to ensure that it conforms to bio-security requirements of the PNG and the exporting country,” Thompson said in a letter to the relevant agencies.
“This is a huge investment and confidence in the coconut industry, and we anticipate all your support and advice.”
Thompson said the coconut replanting project created employment and the hiring of tractors from locals.