Lack of extensive services behind drop in coffee production: Study

INADEQUATE extension services has been highlighted in a research as a reason for poor coffee production in the country.
The report by the National Research Institute (NRI), Strategic initiatives to boost the competitiveness of coffee production in Papua New Guinea, was prepared by its deputy director for research Prof Eugene Ezebilo. It provides an insight into potential strategies for improving coffee production in PNG.
It points out that inadequate facilities for processing coffee is another contributing factor.
Agriculture managers, planners and policy makers have been urged to take note of the findings.
“Coffee is one of the most important agricultural commodities for the government and farmers,” Prof Ezebilo states.
“Though PNG has a suitable environment and climatic conditions for growing high-quality coffee, there are challenges that need to be addressed.
“The findings will assist agriculture managers, planners and policy makers in making decisions on how to improve coffee production in an effective and efficient manner.”
The challenges included inadequate facilities for processing coffee, inadequate extension services and restricted access to finance.
The report said coffee production in PNG could be improved by promoting effective extension services for coffee growers and replacing coffee trees which had passed their economic productive age.
Other suggestions to improve production included providing loans at low interest rates to farmers who want to expand production and promote modern production and processing techniques.