Major study on fruits underway

Kumul Consolidated Holdings has commissioned a major study to see if tropical fruits are viable for cultivation in PNG with a number of agriculture projects also under consideration.
This was confirmed yesterday by KCH general manager for projects and investments Lutz Heim, who said existing agriculture bodies would be used when required.
This is apart from the Sepik Plains special economic zone project launched last week that will see a KCH joint venture with local companies in Yangoru-Saussia to develop a commercial chicken, hatchery and egg farm.
The 500-hectare land will also be used to grow cocoa using new cutting-edge technology that will significantly improve the yield of each cocoa tree by 400 to 500 per cent. “The Sepik joint venture is underway and expected to fulfil conditions precedent in the next few weeks,” Heim told The National.
“We expect work in the project area to be underway before the end of the year.
“KCH has also commissioned a major study into tropical fruits to see if they are viable for cultivation in PNG.
“We expect the study to be finalised before the end of the year and trust it will provide many valuable insights into what other potential projects are available.
“We have a number of other agricultural projects under consideration but they are commercially-sensitive at this time, so we are unable to disclose further information at this stage.”