Minister set to launch three oil palm programmes

The National Business

OIL PALM Minister Francis Maneke is set to launch three pivotal industry programmes in New Ireland today, showcasing the Government’s commitment to the sector.
Joining the event will be New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan and Kavieng MP Ian Ling-Stuckey, highlighting a collaborative effort towards industry advancement.
In a significant move, Minister Maneke will allocate K324,000 to New Britain Palm Oil Ltd (NBPOL) for 21,000 seedlings aimed at developing 150 hectares of smallholder blocks in New Ireland. This funding is part of the National Oil Palm Intervention Programme (NOPIP), a testament to the government’s support for the sector.
Additionally, the minister will present a backhoe and a three-tonne truck to the Oil Palm Industry Corporation (Opic) branch in the province and inaugurate the agency’s new office complex along with four staff houses, further strengthening the industry’s infrastructure.
The NOPIP, under the stewardship of Opic since last year, is designed to address industry challenges, notably the ageing of palm trees which adversely affects production.
Through this programme the Government is taking unprecedented steps to support smallholder oil palm growers directly.
“I want to express that for the first time in PNG, smallholder oil palm growers are receiving direct support from Government,” Minister Maneke said underscoring the ground-breaking nature of the initiative.
Reflecting on the progress, last year saw significant allocations including K576,000 to NBPOL for 48,000 seedlings to cover 400 hectares at Hoskins, and K288,000 to Hargy Oil Palm for 24,000 seedlings for 200 hectares at Bialla both in West New Britain.
This year’s initiatives continue with more allocations, including K540,000 to NBPOL for 35,000 seedlings to rejuvenate 250 hectares in Hoskins, K216,000 to Hargy Oil Palms for 14,000 seedlings for 100 hectares in Bialla, and additional funding to support oil palm cultivation in Oro and Milne Bay, culminating in the latest K324,000 for 150 hectares in New Ireland.