By GEORGINA MICHAEL
THE Government has released K476,000 to support the development of 250 hectares of smallholder oil palm blocks under the Omeome Oil Palm Project in Kairuku District, Central Province.
Minister for Oil Palm Hon. Francis Manake presented the cheque to Albright Limited on Thursday (10/9/26), under the Government’s Oil Palm Subsidy Programme.
The presentation was witnessed by Oil Palm Industry Corporation (OPIC) Secretary General Kepson Pupita, Albright Limited Director Mr. Salvador, smallholder farmers and Incorporated Land Group (ILG) members.
Mr. Salvador said seedlings for the full 500 hectares allocated for smallholder development had already been funded.
“The seedlings for 500 hectares have already been paid for, so you don’t have to spend on the oil palm seedlings for your smallholder oil palm land,” he told ILG members.
Mr. Pupita said the Government would provide the funding in two stages, with K476,000 allocated for the first 250 hectares and a further K476,000 for the remaining 250 hectares.
“We are funding the first 250 hectares with this K476,000. And we will pay another K476,000 to plant the next 250 hectares. So, to plant 500 hectares, we are going to invest almost K1 million into this community,” he said.
He acknowledged Albright Limited for partnering with the Government and local communities to develop smallholder oil palm blocks.
Albright previously operated under a Special Agricultural and Business Lease (SABL) arrangement but has now committed to working with the Ministry to develop smallholder blocks.
Minister Manake commended the company for adopting a land-use model that separates its nucleus estate from land belonging to ILGs.
“This model empowers local people by allowing them to plant on their own land while partnering with the developer. That is why I am here,” Mr. Manake said.
“We have partnered with milling companies and developed oil palm for the last 50 years. But the important thing is that we want to see maximum benefit in the proceeds that we receive. This concept that is already being developed here impresses me.”
Mr. Manake said Albright currently has 3,530 hectares of oil palm planted and has begun planting a further 126 hectares for smallholders.
He also acknowledged the company’s commitment to building a palm oil mill despite the high cost involved.
The Minister described oil palm as an important source of consistent income for workers and communities.
He urged ILGs in the area to properly demarcate their people can be recognized and empowered to plant on their own land.
He also urged local MPs to invest in infrastructure to support the growth of the industry.