Replacement of aging trees can boost coffee exports: Basil

THE development of the coffee industry through the replacement of aging coffee trees around the country will boost exports of the commodity, a senior government minister says.
National Planning and Monitoring Minister Sam Basil said coffee exports had been a significant contributor to the economy from the agriculture sector and the government would support it.
Basil said this at a special meeting with the PNG Smallholder Coffee Growers Association in Goroka over the weekend.
He applauded the association’s coffee nursery project to replace the aging coffee trees and the aim of increasing the number of coffee trees.
“Coffee was everybody’s agenda. Your organisation is taking the lead to support the Coffee Industry Corporation’s (CIC’s) vision to produce three million coffee bags by 2030,” Basil said.
He said it was always difficult to satisfy everybody’s needs from National Planning and Monitoring Department’s level – especially in coffee.
“It is important to ensure key stakeholders’ needs and aspirations are met to enable them to continue drive the industry forward,” he said.
Basil presented a cheque for K500,000 to the PNGSCGA to pursue its coffee nursery project nationwide and help it replace aging trees and expand the number of trees.