Unique partnership giving farmers in Hela a special boost

BY MARK HAIHUIE
A UNIQUE partnership between ExxonMobil and Innovative Agro Industries aims to have about 5000 smallholder farmers in Hela engaged in a large-scale agricultural project.
The project was launched with the signing of a project memorandum-of-greement in Hela on Tuesday.
Project partners include PNG LNG Project, Innovative Agro Industries, Mineral Resource Development Company, Hela government and Tari-Pori, Koroba-Kopiago and Komo-Margarima districts.
The proposed venture will train and equip small-holder farmers to first produce stock feed and vegetables in Hela and, over time, endeavour to rejuvenate the local coffee industry.
Innovative Agro Industry chairman Ilan Weiss said creating opportunities for meaningful participation for rural Papua New Guineans was a key component for many of the projects IAI had developed throughout the country.
“We believe that this type of engagement is key to the success of any agriculture enterprise,” Weiss said.
“Smallholder engagement strengthen communities and generates cash incomes, triggering sustainable flow-on effects in terms of food security, health, education, development of locally-owned small businesses, and improved basic financial literacy.
“It has the ability to be a catalyst for rural development.”
ExxonMobil PNG managing-director Andrew Barry said the PNG LNG Project was committed to driving economic growth and producing significant, lasting benefits.
“The agricultural project has the potential to positively impact as many as 5000 smallholder farmers in Hela over the next five years and beyond,” he said.
“It also diversifies the economic base and encourages the development of additional small enterprises in Hela.”
Project supporters have signed a memorandum-of-understanding to jointly fund the detailed design phase at a cost of K10 million.
Over the course of the next few months, much work will be done to determine the full feasibility of the agricultural venture.