Sepik Plains set for major K30 million project

Agribusiness firm Innovative Agro Industry (IAI) PNG is set to develop the foundations for a K30 million modern commercial farming industry in the Sepik Plains in Yangoru-Saussia, East Sepik.
Chairman Ilan Weiss said this during the signing of shareholders’ agreement in Port Moresby last week.
The project is a partnership between IAI PNG, traditional landowners, Yangoru-Saussia, East Sepik and the State, through Kumul Consolidated Holdings’ newly established Kumul Agriculture Ltd.
Local communities will also benefit from employment opportunities generated by the project, with around 140 direct jobs created and thousands of outgrower opportunities, creating real development impact in the area.
The project will begin with development of an agro industrial centre (AIC) which will initially focus on cocoa, grain production, stock feed processing and poultry production.
The AIC will also feature a cocoa-drying and processing facility.
Weiss said the poultry production farm would cater for the local market and supply meat and eggs as a source of fresh protein to both East and West Sepik.
There is also the possibility of exporting to Indonesia.
Weiss said: “We have been working closely with Minister for National Planning and Monitoring Richard Maru, who is also the Member for Yangoru-Saussia, to get the project off the ground since last year.”
The AIC will be established near the village of Harimpor.
The modern commercial agriculture facility will include a grain field crop operation, a feed mill, chicken production facilities, a cocoa-drying facility and a logistics centre.