Study: Coffee trees passing productive age

MOST of the coffee trees in PNG appear to have passed their economic productive age, a study has shown.
According to a recent study by the National Research Institute (NRI), some farmers continue to convert coffee fields to short rotation crops such as broccoli, potatoes and onions.
“This contributes to the decline in the quantity of coffee produced in PNG,” according to the study.
“Coffee plantations that have the potential to contribute to the quantity of coffee produced in PNG are either deteriorating or not functional, which contributes to the decline in coffee production.
“To increase coffee production in PNG, the Government should consider providing loan facilities to smallholder coffee farmers and coffee plantation owners who want to expand coffee production or rehabilitate their plantations.
“And an effective monitoring mechanism should be established to see that the loans are used for their intended purpose.
“This initiative was used successfully to increase coffee production in Brazil during a coffee industry crisis.”
The study says to government should encourage its agencies to modernise coffee production systems and innovation techniques.