Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has commended the Ministry of Coffee, Ministry of Livestock, and Ministry of Oil Palm for their outstanding performance in 2024, highlighting their contributions to economic growth, rural development, and Papua New Guinea’s agriculture sector.
Speaking after a meeting with Agriculture Minister Hon. John Boito, Coffee Minister Hon. William Bando, Livestock Minister Hon. Sekie Agisa, Oil Palm Minister Hon. Francis Maneke, and their agency heads on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, PM Marape acknowledged the tangible progress made since the creation of these ministries following the 2022 National General Election.
Coffee Industry: A Year of Growth and Expansion
The Coffee Ministry and Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC) delivered key projects in 2024 under Medium Term Development Plan IV (MTDP IV), including:
- Large Plantation Rehabilitation: K25 million allocated, with work commenced on seven plantations.
- National Coffee Development Programme: Over 2.5 million seedlings planted, supporting 87 coffee grower groups and facilitating international exports to Dubai, South Korea, and Australia.
- Infrastructure Investment: Upgrading 20km of coffee commodity roads and constructing key bridges.
- Green Gold Card System: Digital payment platform introduced to ensure direct price support payments to farmers.
PM Marape praised the ministry’s efforts in policy reform, including the National Coffee Policy and the upcoming Coffee Industry Act 2024.
Livestock Development: Reviving PNG’s Meat Industry
The Livestock Development Corporation (LDC) achieved significant milestones in 2024:
- Ranch Rehabilitation: Five cattle ranches and two abattoirs restored.
- National Cattle Breeding Programme: Over 1,700 cattle restocked across PNG, with new buying points established to support smallholder farmers.
- Honeybee Industry Support: Expansion of beekeeping initiatives, benefiting Eastern Highlands, Chimbu, Jiwaka, Western Highlands and Enga farmers.
- International Partnerships: Strengthening ties with overseas investors to boost PNG’s self-sufficiency in meat production.
PM Marape reiterated his government’s commitment to reducing meat imports by expanding local production and ensuring long-term sustainability in the livestock sector.
Oil Palm: Strengthening One of PNG’s Largest Export Commodities
The Oil Palm Industry Corporation (OPIC) continued its vital role in 2024, contributing to the government’s goal of doubling oil palm production to 1.3 million tonnes by 2027. Key achievements included:
- Smallholder Farmer Support: Expansion of replanting programmes and delivery of extension services.
- Infrastructure Development: 200km of smallholder oil palm access roads upgraded and rehabilitated.
- Downstream Processing: Establishment of oil palm industrial hubs to increase value-added exports.
- Policy Reform: NEC approval of the National Oil Palm Policy and steps toward creating the National Oil Palm Authority.
PM Marape commended Minister Francis Maneke and OPIC for ensuring that PNG’s K5.3 billion oil palm industry remains a cornerstone of the national economy. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to agriculture-driven economic growth, stating:
“Since 2022, we have elevated the agriculture sector by creating dedicated ministries for Coffee, Livestock, and Oil Palm. These results show that we are making the right investments, supporting our farmers, and growing our economy.”
He assured that funding for agriculture will remain a priority in 2025, encouraging the ministries to build on their successes and further empower farmers, SMEs, and rural communities.
