Kokopo first to try white copra production
KOKOPO, East New Britain, is first district in Papua New Guinea to host and trial white copra production.
This was revealed by Kokonas Indastri Korporesen (KIK) programme manager for the New Guinea Islands (NGI) Ephraim Tade in Kokopo yesterday.
“Kokopo is the host of the trial programme on white copra production in the country so this is a big credit to the people of Kokopo,” he said.
“As the KIK programme manager for the NGI, I want to thank the Kokopo administration team, local MP Emil Tammur and the development authority board with all the ward members and presidents of the four local level governments for your continuous support of white copra production.”
Tade said apart from the white copra production, Kokopo was trying out other coconut production programmes such as coconut-based farming, high value coconut processing production and coconut replanting programme.
He said Kokopo was leading the country in coconut programmes.
Tade said the first trial programme for the coconut-based farming system was in Kokopo at the Eden Sanctuary integrated farming site in Tobera where the coconut is integrated with other commodities.
He said the white copra programme was progressing well with more farmers taking an interest in the white copra production.
Tade said a total of 15 tonnes of white copra was ready for shipment which was expected to be at the end of this month.
2 comments
that’s is best for the coconut industry at least a change for the industry. you must assist other provinces on the same..
The PNG coconut industry was once vibrant and dynamic from colonialism to early 1990s. Coconut has been around since colonialism and copra exports was always the only income means for the former colonial masters and small holders. Although coconut is regarded as the tree of life, PNG is yet to realise coconut downstream processing as the way forward for MSME.
In Madang Province for example, coconut palms are being damaged by the Bogia Coconut Syndrome (BCS) and Rhynecerious beetles. Efforts for eradication has been minimal from PNG government. If eradication and control mechanisms are not established, the PNG coconut industry can be destroyed totally. The PNG government is encouraged to do something drastic on this.
Copra exports has been around since colonialism and PNG’s political independence. The KIK is encourage to promote coconut downstream processing technologies. More PNG MSME should participate in this playing space.
The coconut industry should be revived. There has to be commercial hybridisation programs and distribution of hybrid planting materials (researched proven) established, information on integrated farming systems (coconut intercropping methods), coconut downstream processing technologies, market access for downstream processing products and so on. The coconut industry is a sleeping giant that has the potential to boost societal wellbeing, reduce poverty, wealth and jobs. Model farmers’ concept, financial inclusion, transport subisides amongst others should be promoted for a better coconut industry going forward.
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