Smallholder farmers vital, says Kombuk

DEPARTMENT of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) secretary Daniel Kombuk says smallholder coffee growers are the basis of the coffee industry in the country.
Kombuk said the smallholder or village-based coffee growers account for 85 per cent of total generated annually.
He spoke during the launching of Entrepreneurial Coffee Business across PNG by Smallholders Coffee Growers Association Inc at Chuave in Chimbu last Friday
“In PNG, 85 per cent of coffee production is coming from smallholders, 5 per cent by block holders and 10 per cent through plantation,” he said.
“Smallholder farmers are the very people who don’t receive money from the government. They’ve expected more benefits but were neglected for so many years. However, now is the time to give back to the people who deserve most of it.
“Many exporters and buyers around the world see great potential for Papua New Guinean coffee because of the smallholder growers.
“Smallholder growers are the very people who capture a higher price for their produce and ultimately increase consumer recognition of a PNG brand.”
Coffee is the backbone of the economy in the Highlands.