Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape (PMJM) has pledged K10 million to the Jiwaka Provincial Government (JPG) to revitalize the ailing coffee industry.
He made this pledge during the launching of the North Waghi District Five-Year Development Plan in Banz, North Waghi recently.
This are part of ambitious plans to transform Jiwaka, the home of the Great Waghi Valley, into the Agriculture Powerhouse of the country by 2025-the year that PNG will mark its 50th Anniversary of Independence.
This substantial financial support will aid in rebuilding the deteriorating coffee plantations including the renowned Wahgi Mek, and provide price support to farmers, ensuring a steady price of K6 per kg; a crucial step towards revitalising the coffee industry in the Wahgi Valley, known for producing some of Papua New Guinea’s finest coffee.
“By 2025, when we celebrate 50 years of independence, I want Jiwaka to become the ‘agriculture powerhouse’ of our country.”
“If you work, we will assist you. If you can’t find a job in the formal sector, there is so much money to be made from our land. Kaukau (sweet potato) is money, broccoli is money, tomato is money, cabbage is money, coffee is money.”
PMJM said out of the K10 million, K5 million will be dedicated to rehabilitating rundown coffee plantations, while K5 million will be allocated for price support.
“Three years ago, I announced this coffee price support; however, public servants in Waigani did not set up a correct structure. This time around, I will bypass them and come straight to the province so that the K6 per kg price can go straight to our people in the villages.”
He said the price of coffee should drop below K6/kg and the Jiwaka Provincial Government should establish structures to ensure this.