The Dagoda village in the Hiri- Koiari district of Central province recently saw the launch of the Robusta Coffee Nursery. The initiative, spearheaded by the Dagoda Coffee Cooperative, showcases an impressive 44,000 robusta coffee seedlings, aiming to revitalize coffee production in the region. It was officially launched by Central Province Governor Rufina Peter and Hiri/Koiari MP Keith Iduhu. Addressing the gathering at Dagoda village in Central province, Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC) acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Steven Tumae emphasized the importance of this local initiative in aligning with the government’s vision of producing three million bags of coffee by 2030. "A bit of history for you all is that coffee was grown first here in Central Province before it journeyed to other parts of the country and eventually the Highlands, so it’s only right that coffee returns here to its roots," he remarked, highlighting the historical significance of coffee cultivation in the area. Hiri-Koiari District MP Keith Iduhu commended the relentless efforts of the CIC, reinforcing the partnership between the government and the community in fostering agricultural sector growth. He pledged K125, 000 to the Dagoda Coffee Cooperative Society. "This mission and initiative to grow coffee must be in your hearts. It is not a dream; we are not talking for nothing, and today I am giving you all K125, 000—not my money, not the Hiri Koiari LLG president's but yours as seed capital to work the land," he said. While acknowledging the demise of Robusta coffee production in the coastal areas of Central Province over the years, Governor Rufina Peter stated that the Provincial Five-Year. Development Plan (2023–2027), is focused on increasing coffee production through: rehabilitation of old coffee blocks, expansion and cultivation via establishment of new seedling nurseries, modern processing facilities, providing freight subsidy support and maintenance and building of road and bridges to major production areas. “This nursery is more than a collection of seedlings—it is a symbol of opportunity, transformation and prosperity for our province. It is the first tangible outcome of the MoA signed between CPG and CIC on 6th March 2024. This partnership is aimed not just at increasing production, but also at building a coffee processing factory right here in Central Province. This means exporting our coffee directly to the world market from Port Moresby’s seaport. “Central Province produces some of the best coffee in Papua New Guinea with the evidence of being the only province supplying coffee beans to the Dubai Market. This is a legacy to be proud of—and a product the world is eager to experience,” said Governor Peter. Reinforcing the support for coffee growers, Governor Peter expressed her appreciation for the CIC team and advocated for an additional CIC extension officer to be placed in the province, specifically assigned to the Goilala District, while maintaining existing support to assist the coastal communities in Robusta production as well as the high-altitude areas in the other Districts. The highlight of the event came with the symbolic cutting of the ribbon at the nursery, officially launching the 44,000 Robusta seedling nursery. Governor Peter and MP Iduhu performed the honours, and from the nursery, 200 seedlings will be disseminated to schools, churches, and households throughout the community, encouraging locals to cultivate coffee on their own land. This strategic initiative not only aims to enhance the economic landscape of Dagoda but also seeks to reconnect the village with Central Provinces historical roots in coffee cultivation, ultimately leading to increased income and self-sustainability for the villagers. Among the attendees at the launching were acting Provincial Administrator for Central Province Edward Kila, Provincial DAL officers, CIC staff, and representatives from neighbouring Seme, Vaivai, and Gaire villages, all unified in their commitment to boosting local agriculture and empowering the Dagoda community.