By DALCY LULUA
The Minister for Oil Palm, Francis Maneke, has reaffirmed the oil palm industry’s commitment to working in close partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) to implement the newly launched Corporate Plan 2024–2028.
In his remarks during the launch, Mr Maneke commended Agriculture Minister John Boito for providing what he described as a “powerful reset” and a forward-looking vision for a sustainable, inclusive, and transformed agricultural sector in Papua New Guinea.
“The Corporate Plan moves us from talking about potential to unlocking it. It sets the framework to bridge the gap between our smallholders and international markets, between subsistence and prosperity,” he said.
He noted that the plan’s focus on increasing production, ensuring food security, boosting exports, and creating employment opportunities was critical for the achievement of national development priorities under the Marape-Rosso Government and the Medium-Term Development Plan IV (MTDP IV).
Mr. Maneke further emphasized the oil palm industry’s role in driving economic transformation and expressed its readiness to align with DAL in adding greater value to production within the country.
“The oil palm industry will work hand in hand with the Department to access premium global markets, invest in value-added processing here in Papua New Guinea, create more jobs, and retain more wealth in our nation,” he said.
He underlined the need for inclusive and sustainable growth, stressing that smallholder farmers must lift production standards to meet both domestic and international market requirements.
“Every smallholder must raise their standards. We must do better than yesterday,” he said. “The industry must work together with the government to make this vision a reality for all Papua New Guineans.”
Mr Maneke described agriculture as the backbone of the country’s economy and culture, noting that regardless of modern challenges, Papua New Guineans would always return to their land for sustenance and security.
He commended Minister Boito, DAL Secretary Dr Sergie Beng, and the team behind the development of the Corporate Plan, describing the document as a critical roadmap for the sector’s transformation.