Landowners express interest in developing oil palm

By MALIKAI BALANDU
EIGHTEEN leaders from incorporated land groups (ILGs) in Umi-Atzera LLG, Markham, Morobe have presented their expressions of interest (EOIs) to Ramu-Agri Industries Limited for oil palm development.
The initiative was done in an event facilitated by Grow PNG, in a meeting on oil palm development in Markham with representatives from the Morobe provincial administration, Markham district development authority (DDA), Ramu Agri Industries Limited (Rail) and the 18 ILGs.
This was a result of the first meeting in February.
Each of the 18 ILGs were supported by the DDA to carry out consultations within their respective clans and tribes, which concluded in the handing over of the initial documents.
“The company assured the ILGs that they are happy to start work with them and that Rail will do so while following international oil palm standards and rules,” Ramu Agri general manager Ruari McWilliam said.
On hand to support the event was Markham MP and Deputy Speaker Koni Iguan.
“I am happy that the event turned out to be successful with 18 ILGs offering their land for development,” he said.
“This was something I began many years ago and seeing it come this far was very satisfying.”
Grow PNG executive Director John Simango said he was pleased by the government’s support.
Simango said momentum was building.