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Fish Farmers in Imbonggu Call for More Training

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Inland Fish Farming is becoming popular in the Highlands Region of Papua New Guinea with many choosing fish as an alternate source of protein aside from the usual pork or lamb.

With an increase in demand, many villagers are also venturing into the business.

Recognizing the interest, the National Fisheries Authority officers from the Kavieng Training College recently completed a two-week training on inland fish farming in Kou Village in Imbonggu, Southern Highlands Province.

James Anjo, fish farmer, standing in front of the NFA fish farm training banner.
James Anjo, Fish farmer and Chairman of Imbonggu Fish Farmers Association.

James Anjo is one of the farmers. He is also the Chairman of the Imbonggu Fish Farmers Association.

Anjo’s motivation for forming the group stemmed from the lack of financial assistance and sustainable income sources in their village.

As a fully registered organization, the Imbonggu Fish Farmers group aims to secure funding from the Southern Highlands Provincial Government and the Imbonggu District Development Authority through the Services Improvement Program Funds (SIPs).

As the newly appointed chairman of Imbonggu Fish Farmers, James Anjo has gained the support of the Imbonggu District Council President, who serves as his deputy chairman.

With hundreds of other fish farmers expressing interest in future training sessions, the NFA trainers have already compiled a list of new trainees for potential programs.

The demand for additional training underscores the enthusiasm and commitment of local residents towards enhancing their skills in fish farming.

Through the collective efforts of the group and ongoing collaboration with relevant agencies, Anjo and his fellow fish farmers are determined to secure the necessary resources to further develop their farming practices and contribute to the economic growth of their community.

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International Market Exposure for Village Cocoa Farmer

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Balthazar Winjowa has never been more optimistic about his family’s future then today.

After undergoing training with the EU-STREIT PNG Programme to revive cocoa in Wanwara Village of the Turubu LLG in East Sepik Province, where he comes from, the 33 year-old says he’s life has changed completely.

Along side the materials that the EU-STREIT PNG provided, Baltazar was also privileged to undergo bud grafting training, learned proper pruning techniques and studied cocoa fermentation and processing.

“I learned how to conduct pruning and bud grafting,” he explains.
“I now train other farmers in my Village and show them how to manage their cocoa blocks.”

The training and tools started paying off.

In the first half of this year alone, Baltazar harvested 7,300 kilograms of wet beans which yielded around forty bags of dried beans.

He says that the trees just started bearing fruit and he is seeing production increase.

“With the support from STREIT, we are harvesting beans with no Cocoa Pod Borer (CPB) infestation,” He says.

The improved quality of Baltazar’s cocoa has opened new doors for him and his fellow farmers.

With the support of the programme, he had the chance to send his cocoa beans to the Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby where they were evaluated for quality.

“STREIT came to my Village and sent samples of my cocoa to Queen Emma. I got a WhatsApp message on my phone saying that I have high-quality cocoa,” he recalls with pride.

His success also led to an opportunity to meet an Overseas buyer from New Zealand.

With the help from STREIT, Baltazar was able to attend a factory presentation with Queen Emma Chocolate, where he met the lady buyer from New Zealand.

“She said if I pass the quality standard, she will visit my Village to sign a contract to supply one tonne of dried cocoa beans per year,” he says.

For Baltazar, this journey has transformed not only his business, but also his family life.

With the money that he earned from cocoa, he has been able to provide more for his family.

His eldest daughter is currently doing grade 9 at Yarapos Secondary School, and Baltazar is committed more to supporting her education.

“My formal education stopped at grade 8 and my wife went as far as grade 9 because of school fee problems,” says Baltazar.

He wants his daughter to go to a business college and return back to manage their cocoa farming as a business.

With the support of his wife, Baltazar is looking ahead to plan big for his future with his cocoa farming business.

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Agriculture

FAO Opens Cocoa Export Depot In Vanimo

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Men offloading brown bags of cocoa from a truck at the cocoa export depot.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), as part of the EU-STREIT Program in Papua New Guinea has officially opened a Cocoa Export Market Depot in Vanimo, West Sepik Province.

This facility is the first dedicated cocoa export-oriented depot in the province.

The Cocoa Export Market Depot, with an investment of PGK1.67 million and a storage capacity of 50 metric tons, is aimed to support 20,000 farming households and enhance market access and opportunity to premium prices for their cocoa beans.

Ribbon cutting of the Cocoa Export Depot facility by Provincial Governor Tony Wouwou and representatives from FAO and EU-Streit.
Ribbon cutting of the Cocoa Export Depot facility by Provincial Governor Tony Wouwou and representatives from FAO and EU-Streit.

The depot was handed over to the Provincial Government and will be managed West Sepik Investment Limited; the business arm of the Provincial Administration of West Sepik.

The newly established Cocoa Export Market Depot is part of FAO’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of local cocoa farmers by providing proper storage, facilitating better marketing, and enabling farmers to sell their cocoa at higher prices.

This initiative also marks a significant step towards increasing sustainable production of cocoa in West Sepik.

The inauguration event saw the presence of several distinguished guests from the European Union and United Nations including Governor of West Sepik Province, Tony Wouwou.

Governor Wouwou expressed his gratitude to the European Union for funding this important facility for the people of West Sepik Province.

WSP Governor, Tony Wouwou wearing a blue print shirt with a lei around his neck, holding a mic up to his face and bunch of papers in the other at the Cocoa Export Depot launch and opening.
West Sepik Governor, Tony Wouwou.

“I commend the FAO-led EU-STREIT PNG Program for facilitating the construction and establishment of this essential facility.

“This initiative will enhance the productivity of cocoa and significantly improve the livelihoods of our cocoa farmers by providing critical marketing services here in Vanimo,” Governor Wouwou said.

Kesang Phuntsho, speaking on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator in Papua New Guinea, reaffirmed the United Nations commitment to continued collaboration with the government and local communities.

“In Papua New Guinea, cocoa ranks third among agricultural export crops, contributing approximately 14% of agricultural exports.

“The opportunities for growth are significant, and ensuring the sustainability of our achievements is crucial,” she said.

EU-STREIT PNG Program Coordinator, Ali Said Yesuf, expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the project.

“I am extremely pleased to see this initiative come to fruition. This support, provided by the EU-STREIT PNG Program, aims to enhance the cocoa value chain.

“Our objectives are to improve marketing, ensure farmers receive fair prices, and establish Vanimo as a hub for cocoa exports. This will motivate farmers and transform the economy of West Sepik.”

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Agriculture

Inspection Trip

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China Engineers

PORT MORESBY:

A technical team from the China Machinery Engineering Corporation or CMEC arrived in Port Moresby on Sunday for a week-long inspection trip.

From the 5th to the 10th of November, they will inspect all ranches and abattoirs owned by PNG’s state-owned livestock company, Livestock Development Corporation (LDC).

The CMEC team is sent from their headquarters in Beijing, China.

The visit follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed between LDC and CMEC earlier this year as a company to company arrangement that was sanctioned by former Agriculture Minister John Simon.

Under this MOU CMEC will inspect all ranges and abattoirs in PNG and design and construct several state of the art abattoir facilities in designated sites, in line with the PNG Government’s downstream processing and food security policies.

The inspection started on Sunday afternoon at Tiaba, abattoir, 12mile, just outside the Port Moresby city.

Before inspecting the abattoir, LDC Managing Director Terry Koim took the team around the 35 hectares land to show them the potential of production if the abattoir is revived.

The engineers were amazed with the amount of land, saying with an abundance of free land, PNG has the potential to be a global exporter of cattle and China being a major beef consumer, can be it’s biggest client.

Apart from Tiaba, the Chinese delegation will also visit LDC establishments in Launakalana in Central Province, Wariman and Urimo in East Sepik, Sagalau in Madang and Baiya in Western Highlands Province.

As part of the MOU, CMEC with its vast experience in engineering design and construction of reliable power projects in well over a 100 different countries, will further assist LDC with renewable energy generation to promote commercial agriculture.

Carrying on from where the former Minister left off, Minister for Livestock Hon. Seki Agisa acknowledged Prime Minister James Marape’s visit to China last month, affirming the need for CMECs visit.

CMEC is one of China’s reputable companies entrusted to roll out vital infrastructure projects in more than 100 countries under the China “One Belt, One Road” program.

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Agriculture

Exposure Visit to Madagascar

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Vanilla Farming

An exposure visit facilitated by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has given one model vanilla farmer in East Sepik an insight into vanilla farming in Madagascar.

Nicodemus Mainga, a model farmer from East Sepik, was amazed. Mainga said the skills and knowledge he acquired, during the visit to Madagascar was invaluable.

He said he learned a lot about how Madagascar grows its top-quality vanilla, making them the best in the world.

“This visit was super helpful for me as a farmer. Now, I can share these techniques with my fellow farmers in Papua New Guinea. So we can also make vanilla as good as Madagascar’s. It’s a win-win for us, and I’m really happy I came to visit Madagascar,” Mainga said.

The exposure visit to Madagascar was arranged and supported by the FAO. A part of the European Union-funded STREIT PNG Programme, aimed at promoting the development of vanilla value chain in Papua New Guinea.

FAO Senior Agricultural Officer, Rabi Rasaily, says the exposure visit will improve their skills in vanilla production and processing. But most importantly to formulate good governing policies, regulations and standards that protect producers, traders and exporters rights. While contributing to quality assurance to establish trust on PNG vanilla with the international buyers.

The delegation from Papua New Guinea, included senior officers from Central Government agencies. Such as the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM), the Spice Industry Board (SIB) under the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL). As well as Provincial Government and Administration Institutions.

The focal point of this journey was Sava, a region synonymous with vanilla excellence. Nestled on the northern and northeastern coast of Madagascar known as Sava.

An area that has become the epicentre of vanilla cultivation, encompassing every aspect from farming to processing and export.

Vanilla Farming

The delegation’s itinerary took them through this green expanse. Immersing themselves in the heart of the world’s leading vanilla production and export hub. A hub which accounts for approximately 80% of the global vanilla market.

The delegation was impressed by the quality of Madagascar’s vanilla product’s. As well as the strong collaboration among different stakeholders in the sector.

They also learned about the challenges and opportunities faced by the vanilla industry in Madagascar. Such as climate change, threat of pests and diseases, price volatility, quality standards, traceability, certification, and market access.

Floyd Lala, Director of the National Authorizing Officer Support Unit at DNPM, reflected on the enlightening visit. “After visiting Madagascar, I’ve gained valuable insights into their success as the world’s leading vanilla producer”, he said.

Vanilla Farming
Vanilla Farming
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Agriculture

Office for Cocoa Farmers

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Cocoa Farmers

Cocoa farmers in the Southern Region were gifted an office space on the third floor of Monian Tower in Port Moresby.

The small office set up consists of a reception area, where cocoa farmers can wait to be served. Workstations for two officers, the manager’s office and reasonable size board room for meetings and consultations purposes.

To signify this approach, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed, between Central Provincial Government and the Cocoa Board of Papua New Guinea (CBPNG).

The Central Governor, Rufina Peter, while commending the Cocoa Board added that cocoa farming in Central Province has a massive potential for generating income and needs a collaborative effort by relevant authorities.

“I am sure with collaborative efforts with the Cocoa Board we want to add to the statistics of production cocoa in the province,” said the Governor.

Cocoa Board CEO, Jesse Anjen, said the set-up of the Regional Office marks the first agreement between the Cocoa Board and a provincial government in the Southern Region.

“I am pleased this is what has happened. What we say and what we preach must happen. We are here to assist small holders in the Central Province. Particularly the Southern Region but we must do the work for it to become a reality,” said Anjen.

A K1 Million funding was put forward by the Central Provincial Government. This is to strengthen efforts of CBPNG in pushing for exports and downstream processing.

“The thing that excites me the most is, the opening of the Cocoa Board office for Southern Region and Central Province. I congratulate the board management of Cocoa Board for this decision. To finally consider Central Province as a potential cocoa producing province,” said Governor Peter.

Meanwhile, the Central Provincial Government has been conducting trainings and other programs. Along with the Department of Agriculture and Livestock with plans to develop the sector.

A recent workshop was also held at Kwikila Station in August this year.

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Agriculture

Kandangapma Women Undergo Capacity Building Program

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Kandangapma

38 members of the Kandangapma Women’s Business Group in Angoram took part in a capacity building program conducted through the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)-STREIT program.

The group consists of agripreneurs and business minded women, involved in fish processing and marketing, sewing and bilum making.

The first workshop, held in Angoram, centered on topics crucial for the success of MSMEs, like, group dynamics, effective leadership skills, and communication and encourages participants to assume leadership roles.

Assistant Chairlady of Kandangapma Women’s Business Group, Verjulah Mowe said she is now more aware of the different roles and responsibilities of her group members.

“I can now make a clear connection between good leadership and sound communication skills and the success of any group business,” said Mowe.

At the end of the workshop, a FAO-Thiaroye Technique (FTT) site for fish processing (fish smoking) was handed over to the Women’s Business Group.

This capacity-building opportunity had equipped these women entrepreneurs with the skills needed to manage their working capital, including the FTT, more effectively and efficiently as a group.

Patu Shang, the Gender and Youth Inclusion Specialist who took lead in the learning session said such trainings give women insight into management skills.

“When women become economically empowered through MSMEs, they gain a sense of agency, and contribute meaningfully to household incomes, thereby improving food and nutrition security, ultimately leading to a better quality of life,” said Shang.

Related: https://insidepng.com/eu-streit-program-partners-with-agri-enterprises/

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Agriculture

Mekeo Farmers Call

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Agriculture

A local farmer in Mekeo says if agriculture has to work, implementing government agencies need to work together to see results.

Augustine Maino is a cocoa and vanilla farmer from Inaui village of Kairuku District who recently participated in a farmer’s workshop held in Mekeo.

Participants of the farmers workshop in Mekeo recently.
Augustine Maino speaking at the gathering in Mekeo recently.

“I believe that for Agriculture to work, three other bodies must also play out their functions and roles; the farmer, DAL and the Government. When these three bodies are aligned and doing their jobs, there is no excuse that Agriculture will move forward. This coupled with good managers who are honest and equipped will see a more smoother transition.” said Maino.

Michael Atuai Central Province’s Agriculture Projects Office supports the call by farmers for a joint effort from all government agencies.

“I note some of the points raised by the farmers, I thank you for this point and (Central ) Governor will be informed accordingly, I am happy when I see young leaders like Patrick Avi, its always good to see young people taking the lead in economic aspiration” said Mr. Atuai.

Michael Atuai – CentralProvince Agricultural Projects
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Agriculture

MARKET ACCESS FOR REMOTE COCOA FARMERS

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Cocoa farmers from a remote community living along the Sepik River are now connected to the leading cocoa industry players in the country and overseas and receive a premium price for their quality cocoa products.

With support from the EU-STREIT PNG Programme and PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), MUPA Cocoa Cooperative Society, which comprised of 240 farmers from two villages in Yuat LLG of Angoram District in East Sepik Province, established a business link with Queen Emma Chocolate Company.

Recently, they sent their first shipment of quality beans to the chocolate-making company, achieving a considerably higher market price.

Director of MUPA Cocoa Cooperative Ltd, Sperian Kapia said the company is paying a higher rate for their dried beans at K630 per bag, which is more than the average price offered by intermediary buyers.

Their first shipment consisted of 40 bags of quality dried beans, fetched an additional K4,000 into the cooperative’s bank account.

The EU-STREIT PNG Programme is working on improving the access of local agricultural enterprises to domestic and overseas markets.

This includes organising exposure visits to national and international agri-food trade shows, where the Sepik-based agripreneurs can learn, interact, identify potential buyers, and forge new business opportunities.

Kapia was one of the Sepik cocoa model farmers who participated in the International Food Service & Hospitality Exhibition in Singapore in August 2022, where he initiated the market link with Queen Emma Chocolate Company.

“It was there that Queen Emma Chocolate’s representatives showed interest in our cocoa and invited me to visit their factory in Port Moresby. We reached to an agreement to supply the company with our unique cocoa dried beans,” said Kapia.

Kapia said with these support, they were also introduced to a new potential buyer from New Zealand, the Pacific Cocoa 380.

“The EU-STREIT PNG Programme assisted us in freighting 20 KG of our cocoa dried beans to New Zealand, where they tasted our cocoa, and has shown interested in the quality.”

Kapia said they have agreed to buy 15 to 20 tons of cocoa dried beans from MUPA.

This premium price paid for dried beans and extra income generated at the cooperative level, allows MUPA and affiliated fermentaries to pay a higher rate for wet beans, extending the benefits to farmers at the grassroots level, who produce and supply wet beans to fermentaries.

“The usual price for wet beans used to be lower, around K1.4 per KG, but thanks to the direct connection formed with the premium buyers, we are now able to pay farmers at a higher price, at K1.7 per KG of wet beans, which is 21 percent above the normal rate,” Kapia explained.

“This helps the parents in my community to pay for their kids’ school fees, buy utensils for their houses, and food to improve family’s diets.”

“With this support and market arrangement that gives us more money, we can also continue to support our farmers in terms of social development; we have school and want to support it in terms of infrastructure and educational material, also our health care.”

This connection and access to market is something different and promising for our farmers,” Kapia said.

Related: https://insidepng.com/eu-streit-program-partners-with-agri-enterprises/

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Agriculture

Helping Hand Honey in Goroka

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Kelly Inae dispaying his beloved bees.

Helping Hand Honey Producers is the name of the establishment founded by Kelly Inae in 2006. The location is always buzzing with life and Kelly prides himself with sharing the knowledge of bee keeping and honey production.

Located at Fimito Kafana Road in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, is the site of a bee farmers training area where honey is produced and packaged.

Plant life is important in the honey making process and for Kelly, he has amassed some hectares of land for a habitat that provides the bees with the pollen they need for honey production.

Kelly is a conservationist at heart and his habitat is a testament to that. He ensures the habitat is well looked after for trainees to see the different plants that aid in honey production.

Whilst it is a marvel to taste sweet honey straight from the hive, its a bitter sweet tale for the workers of the hive, with bees in the region falling short of a sweet finish. Production has declined in the past two years with climate change being a big challenge for the bees. But Kelly and his colleagues continue to figure out and innovate ways to improve the situation.

Honey from Papua New Guinea is much desired overseas and remains a high priced commodity both locally and globally but honey production is still at a small scale in country.

Kelly is working to export honey to Australia and is certain he will meet requirements before his first export date in November.

Kelly continues to pursue improvements in the industry and has written books and guides about bee keeping and continues to provide valuable statistics to the relevant Government bodies to help in conservation and honey production.

Helping Hand Honey

More info and contact information about Helping Hand Honey can be found at https://www.facebook.com/helpinghandhoney/ and more links to stories about Kelly and Honey production and training can be found there.

Related Story: https://insidepng.com/capacity-building-for-environment-conservation/

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