By FRANCIS RODNEY PULU
CHAIRMAN of the Kokonas Industry Koporeisen (KIK), Mr Stephen Raphael says the recently concluded four-day World Coconut Day event at Sir John Guise Indoor Complex in Port Moresby plays a critical role in showcasing the coconut industry in Papua New Guinea.
Raphael said it is through such gatherings that the sharing of knowledge, exploring of new technologies and forging of partnerships are sought to drive the industry forward.
He said the event also provides a platform to not only showcase the industry’s achievements but also to exchange knowledge, strengthening partnerships in driving innovation and add value into the industry.
“This event creates significant opportunity for the industry players to also engage with international markets, invest in new technologies and obviously to explore sustainable opportunities for our people,” Mr Raphael said.
He said it also brings together the best minds and the most passionate individuals both locally and internationally.
“So the future of the coconut industry lies in our hands; the ability to adapt, innovate and work together.”
About 21 countries were in attendance to commemorate the event.
Mr Raphael also took time to highlight some of the key extensive progress within the industry over the last five years since 2018.
Key progress among others include: the planting of one million coconut seedlings, strengthening the value chain for promoting local coconut products, increasing the number of Small Medium Enterprises (SME’s) engagement in the industry, implementing training programs for farmers in enhancing production and improved quality, and expanding the reserves in development efforts to high value products such as virgin coconut oil, coconut base, biofuels and other value-added products.
He also stressed the difficulties or challenges faced in the industry.
“The industry is still struggling with the low productivity in the aging coconut farms, the farm trees and the effects of the climate change.
“Furthermore, access for markets technology and finance remain a barrier for many of our farmers in PNG.
“However, with resilience and focus we are confident we can be able to overcome these barriers once we go through the strategic guidelines provided.”
He further added that by aligning with the Medium-Term Development Plan 4 and the guidance that is provided to the industry, a number of substantive programs were undertaken at the moment, and one of them was the replanting and rehabilitation program.
“We are also working with farmers to look after the aging coconut plantations including high mill disease and introducing high mill diseases resistant throughout out the country.
“This will help increase the overall production in the industry.”
