PNG still free of coffee borer

Source: 

The National, Tuesday 18th December, 2012

PAPUA New Guinea is the only country that does not have coffee berry borer (CBB), according to a senior Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC) scientist.
CIC Research and Grower Services head Dr Mark Kenny told a high profile CBB workshop in Kainantu recently that this unique situation must be protected for the benefit of coffee growers and the industry.
PNG has now established an emergency response plan to curb the incursion of the deadly CBB.
Kenny said the CBB exists on the Indonesian side of the border and if it enters PNG, it would have adverse effect on PNG’s coffee industry.
These, he said, would include damage value in the range of K250 million to K300 million, production cost to increase by 40% and poor quality coffee would be produced resulting in a drop in reputation of PNG coffee.
Kenny said with the support of the national government and other stakeholders the, National Quarantine Inspection Authority (NAQIA) and CIC has been carrying out a joint delimiting survey in the border areas since 2008 to detect the beetle and has so far established more than 200 surveillance sites in all the 13 coffee-growing province of PNG.
“The emergency response plan (ERP) includes both pre-quarantine and emergency response which the latter spells out the management structure, emergency pathway and technical standards for delivery of the ERP,” he said.
“Awareness of border communities, enforcement of 20km buffer zone and an annual survey programme both in PNG and Indonesia form the basis of the pre-quarantine programme.”
It was noted during the workshop that funding was a major element to carry out the plan and a working committee comprising CIC and NAQIA staff would be appointed to seek options for structuring and implementing the fight against CBB.
The estimated budget for annual monitoring and surveillance was K350, 000.
The workshop hosted presentations from international CBB experts from UK-based CABI Bioscience Dr Sean Murphy, Dr Soetikno, Dr KY Lum, and Bryony Taylor; NAQIA’s senior entomologist David Tenekanai; and CIC entomologist Otto Ngere

Via The National
http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/42787

CIC boss urges coffee farmers to organize

Source: 

The National, Wednesday 19th December, 2012

By AUGUSTINE DOMINIC
COFFEE farmers from the four major coffee growing provinces in the country should organise themselves into a group that will run their farms and market their produce for better income.
Coffee Industry Corporation chief executive Navi Anis made the call recently in Goroka during the report presentation on a coffee profiling project carried out by CIC in Eastern Highlands, Chimbu, Jiwaka and Western Highlands.
He said farmers must realise that to achieve higher income, they must organise themselves to produce high quality coffee and market it for better price.
Anis said farmers operating individually would not achieve consistent coffee quality and high volume, thus, the receive lower prices.
He also acknowledged the women coffee farmers who attended the report presentation.
“Women in PNG do most of the hard work in far­ming and processing coffee and I acknowledge the women farmers who are here today,” Anis said.
The coffee profiling project titled “Determination and evaluation of smallholder coffee flavour profi­ling and traceability in PNG” was aimed at training the farmer groups on best practices in coffee production.
The project was carried out with farmer groups from Tiredne (Okapa), Timuza (Kainantu), and Nagamiufa (Goroka) in Eastern Highlands; Arosubamo (Chuave), Mindima (KundiawaGembogl), Kapmawapo (Sinasina-Yongomugl), Daniel Godoga (Kerowagi) and Kobal Sipal (Gumine) in Chimbu;  Pundu Kas (Hagen Central), Paunda (Tambul-Nebilyer), Lumba and Tikil Wopkola(Mul-Baiyer) in Western Highlands;  and Nobal Tai (Banz) and Walep Kamil (Jimi) in Jiwaka.

Via The National
http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/42853

Study shows big gap between plantation workers and depts

The National, Tuesday 19th June, 2012

THERE is a big gap between primary industries and appropriate government authorities, a case study has found. The study was undertaken in mid-2010 by a recent graduate from University of Natural Resources and Environment, Okrupa Mauro, while doing a six-month industrial training attachment with New Britain Palm Oil Ltd. He used field trips in 2011 and identified the same problems in other plantations in East New Britain, saying if NBPOL was facing such crises than other plantations were no exception. Failures identified include the absence of proper records from the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations offices around the country to provide accurate statistics on plantation labor welfare and productions for any plantation. The Department of Commerce and Industry kept statistics of exports but it is difficult to compare individual effort against production.

The study discovered that workers were overworked, woken up as early as 4.30am and finishing at about 6.30pm and strictly working 12-14 days a fortnight. Housing cubicle meant for a person is occupied by 1-4 young energetic employees, or it can be a family living there. Work pressure forced employees to move from certain locations to achieve targets so they did not prepare breakfast. No lunch at all and dinner was prepared between 7-9pm. On social status, it found from only one plantation, 70% of workers were total illiterates, 20% went as far as Grade 6 and only 10% went as far as Grade 8. None of them went as far as Grade 10 and there is a sense of arrogance and social discrimination between plantation laborers and managers.

Mauro raised concerns that if the country had vision for the future of primary industry development and agriculture export commodities, the economic value of labor input and if PNG could use industries raw data to measure and compare performances. Mauro said agriculture was more than just producing food and was a system that underpinned society, including our relationship with the environment

East Sepik province wary of cocoa pest

By CYRIL GARE

IT IS a ‘sitting duck’ situation in East Sepik with the invasion of the destructive Asian pest, the Cocoa Pod Borer (CPB) which is already at the farmers’ doorstep with nothing they can do to stop it. During a CPB awareness meeting at Kringring (Yuo) village along the West Coast of Wewak on Wednesday, villagers (cocoa growers) told the visiting East Sepik CPB management unit (ESCPBMU) team that they needed training and the knowledge to withstand the invading pest which has already devastated the East New Britain cocoa industry by some K50 million since it was first discovered in March, 2006. They said even if training was given, as in the recent past where private industry players like NGIP Agmark Ltd, DAL (Division of Agriculture and Livestock) and other line agencies have done so, important so was the need for “right tools” so that growers were able to treat their cocoa blocks efficiently.

ESP wary of cocoa pest.

Learning from the ENBP experience, East Sepik has awakened and has invested an initial K5 million for CPB management activities in the province for 2012. ESCPBMU manager Stephen Mombi said the approach would be different from the 2007-2008 operations where CPB was taken head on – confrontational, setting up check points, application of quarantine, spraying and similar other activities. “But all were of no good as the CPB not only withstood but over took new areas in spread,” Mr. Mombi said. So this time, the approach will be “to learn to live with it (CPB)” with the introduction and application of only three activities: CPB Awareness, Farmer Training (Block Management), and Supply of CPB Resistance Materials (clones). Awareness has begun at the eve of elections 2012 covering Turubu, Yangoru, Wewak islands, Maprik, Drekikir and now West Coast. In April 2012, the first batch comprising 16 cocoa farmers from around East Sepik attended training in CPB management at Tokiala, NGIP Agmark Ltd training facility. Four more batches would be deployed there during the year, according to Mr. Mombi. And already, plans are underway to set up butt wood gardens around selected spots in the province for supply of clones of CPB resistant materials to farmers.

Hurrell, PNG coffee pioneer, dies at 95

The National, Thursday 31st May, 2012

By MALUM NALU
PAPUA New Guinea’s multi-million kina coffee industry has lost one of its pioneers, Lloyd Hurrell, who passed away on Tuesday last week in Australia, Hurrell, 95, was the pioneer chairman of the then Coffee Marketing Board (CMB) from 1964 to 1979. “He was the leading coffee planter based in the Wau-Bulolo area and became the most influential and respected man in PNG coffee history,” Coffee Industry Corporation chief executive officer Navi Anis said.
“The PNG coffee industry will miss a great man who has very much foreseen and paved the way for  the multi-million kina coffee industry today that affects lives of ordinary Papua New Guineans that farm coffee.” 
While serving as chairman of CMB, Hurrell contributed immensely in expanding coffee plantations and promoting business enterprise for indigenous Papua New Guineans. He was instrumental in setting up the CMB, then the Coffee Industry Board and also the Coffee Industry Fund (a stabilisation fund) in 1975. His service to the PNG coffee industry was recognised in June 1969 when he received of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). In 1980, he was awarded the Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (CMG).
A framed photo of him still hangs today in the CIC board room which was named after him. Hurrell was born in Wingham, NSW and educated at Hurlstone Agriculture High School. He trained as a teacher at the Armidale Teachers College (Australia) and taught in 1937 and 1938.
In 1939 he joined the Department of District Services and Native Affairs as a cadet patrol officer and was posted to Rabaul. In February 1940 he joined the New Guinea contingent of the Australian Armed Forces when World War II broke out and took part in the famous Kokoda Track campaign. After the war he returned to his pre-war job as patrol officer, looking after Finschhafen, Menyamya and Wau.
In 1953 he resigned and began his life as a farmer. He became deputy provisional chairman of the CMB, created in 1963 and after four months, he was elevated to the chairman’s post.  In the 1960 elections he won the New Guinea Coastal seat and became a member of the Legislative Council

Coffee farm exports 120 tonnes in 2011

By JAMES APA GUMUNO

THE Wara Wau coffee plantation in Dei district, Western Highlands exported 120 tonnes of green bean last year and brought in K1.2 million to the local economy, This was disclosed by owner Max Kumbamong who is also the farm’s managing director. He said, last year’s export was the result of a rehabilitation programme that began in March 2006, after it was acquired for K500,000 the previous year.

The New Guinea Mountain Coffee Ltd which he owns took over the 362.9ha coffee plantation and began works to revive the plantation. Kumbamong said the farm was covered with thick bush that almost stunted the growth of coffee trees. Over the years, he spent at least K1.5 million for labour, chemicals and farm implements to revive the farm. Today, the plantation employs at least 700 workers who depend on it for livelihood. Incidentally, Kumbamong also owns Panga coffee factory, Kagamuga Lodge and Sun Rise Entertainment Centre. And last year, Kumbamong opened a new building in Mt Hagen, called “Dokona Building” built at a cost of K4.5 million. The building is now occupied by private companies.

Coffee growers to pay Basil’s fee

Source: 

The National, Monday 21st May, 2012

PEOPLE of Biaru in Morobe will pay the nomination fees for Bulolo MP Sam Basil. The villagers have been planning to pay back the support he had shown them. Last Thursday night, they brought 11 bags of coffee to sell in Lae at K200 each. Money raised will be used to pay for the fees.

Basil said he was pleased to see that his nomination fee was paid from money raised by simple people. "This means a lot to me because it's from people's hearts," he said. The villagers will file his nomination in Bulolo on Wednesday. Basil had given them eight coffee machines and a grader last September. The member is confident he will retain his seat for another five-year term in parliament.

Australia shows interest in PNG coffee

Source: 
The National, Thursday 17th May 2012

 AUSTRALIAN roasters and importers have shown keen interest to source coffee from small-hold farmers in Papua New Guinea during an expo in Melbourne, Australia, this month. Profiles of leading coffee grower groups in Morobe province were showcased and PNG growers got the chance to talk about their experience in coffee growing, harvesting and exporting processes during the International Coffee Expo from May 4-6. Importers also spoke highly of smallholder coffee farming in PNG.

Morobe Provincial executive council chairman for agriculture and livestock, Daki Mao, headed the PNG delegation to the expo. Mao said it was about time farmers and those at the end of the supply chain had direct connections so that they earn the benefits for their sweat. "I am impressed by the interest shown by Australian coffee roasters and importers" he said. Simon Gesip, the farmer training and extension coordinator with the Morobe provincial government was excited about the prospects of his farmers sending samples to several roasters for quality assessments. He said with the success of several farmer groups already exporting directly, this was another opportunity for farmers to diversify their markets.

While many of the participants at the expo were those at the very end of the supply chain, the PNG team was the only grower-based group at the exposition. "PNG has been playing second fiddle and there is a need for the industry to rise up to the occasion by attending international coffee forums," Mao said. Promotion was required externally as 90% of the green beans were exported.

Coffee Industry Corporation chief executive, Navi Anis commended the Morobe provincial government and stressed that such engagements call for collaboration and partnership so that PNG coffee growers are better served. Morobe province was now the official third highest coffee producer after Western Highlands and Eastern Highlands, he said."There seems to be sufficient interest in the province to continue increasing coffee production so that lives of the growers are enhanced from the income received from coffee."

Manus farmers to test hybrid

Source: 

The National, 3rd May 2012

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/32262

By ABIGAIL APINA
THERE is now an opportunity for cocoa growers in Manus to test cocoa hybrid and improve production after the Cocoa Pod Borer pest was detected there in early 2010. The Cocoa Coconut Institute, through the agriculture innovation grant scheme, funded a project in Manus to help cocoa growers. The scheme is a component of the Agricultural Research and Development Support Facility funded by AusAID.

The project, which involved scientists from the institute, was introduced last November to manage the pest and improve the income of smaller farmers in Manus. One of the scientists involved in the project, Dr Eremas Tade, said the targeted cocoa farmers under this project were located in the Nali Sopat/Penabu, Lelemadih/Bupi Chupeu, Rapatona and Balopa local level governments. Because of funding limitation, only 20 farmers from each LLG were selected. Tade said the main concept of this project was for the farmers to be trained by the institute’s scientists and Agriculture and Livestock Department extension officers in the province to adopt the ‘utilisation of integrated pest and disease management’ technology. The trained farmers were then expected to teach their neighbours on how to control the cocoa pest in the province. “In this way, the techno­logy is transferred and shared among the small holder cocoa farmers in the province,” Tade said.

A team of scientists vi­sited the project site and the four locations. They reported that the pro­ject was on target to accomplish all the major outputs and related activities on time. Tade said Manus farmers involved in the project were eager to grow the crop and the team was helping them with nursery establishment and field planting of the new cocoa clones. He said as the agriculture innovation grant scheme funding drew to a close, the institute’s management had directed the project team to discuss how the project could be incorporated as part of the portfolio of the Cocoa Coconut Institute extension activities in partnership with the provincial government through a memorandum of agreement.

Prospects in agriculture; restoring it to its central role

Source: 

The National, Thursday 03rd May 2012

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/32319

THERE is an often stated fallacy that PNG has vast areas of fertile agricultural land, waiting to be developed.  It doesn’t. Most of PNG is steep mountains, swamps or subject to extended flooding, savannah and shallow tropical soils, where fertility is sustained by continuous decomposition of leaf litter from forests. Remove the forests and fertility rapidly depletes.

The country does, however, have fertile pockets, most of which support relatively high and growing populations and intensive horticulture (as in parts of the Highlands, Gazelle and Maprik, for example), as well as cash crops, much grown well below their productive capacity.
It also has larger areas of poor to moderate land, suitable for certain agricultural or other land-use activities, if managed appropriately, using suitable selected (eg drought/damp resistant) plant or animal species/cultivars, intercropping or other inputs, or perhaps other interventions, from drainage to irrigation. In PNG there’s also sometimes a misconceived notion of an ideal or panacea crop, with some farmers ready to uproot whole plantings of productive tree crops for some untested or temporary bonanza crop. In reality, as with most traditional food gardens, with diverse inter-planted crops, there may be a variety of crops, or livestock, which perform well, often in some combination.

Major commercial producers usually need to specialise, and especially with oil palm, which requires processing promptly after harvest, seek extensive accessible areas to enable maximum throughput through their mills and associated economies of scale.
Minimum commercial areas for crops range from several thousand hectares with oil palm, to a hectare or less with some high value horticultural crops or spices (the vast areas committed for SABLs are clearly not genuine agricultural projects). Smallholders produce the majority of most PNG tree crops (except tea, sugar and oil palm and rubber – also with substantial smallholder production).

Most smallholders pre­fer to hedge their bets, reducing risks, safeguarding food security and producing some preferred household or culturally valued products, while forfeiting opportunities of periodic bumper returns.

A close relationship with a major (or nucleus) enterprise, to support with research, planting material, innovation, marketing, extension is a well-proven model in oil palm, but also rubber, spices and other crops and livestock, partnering private investors or cooperatives. Such partnerships form the basis of support projects, such as PPAP, for coffee and cocoa smallholders. Certain locations may provide ideal growing conditions for a crop, but that doesn’t necessarily make it the best choice. Some other crop may have better market prospects and fetch better or more reliable returns to land or available labour.

Generally the traditional tree crops already grown in PNG provide a reliable bet for continued focus. Their markets are large and generally face rising demand, for example for chocolate or rubber tyres in major emerging markets (such as China). Agricultural commodity prices, including food prices leapt around 2006-08, including from panic trade restrictions by some countries on some staple crops.  Prices largely slid in 2008-09, but have subsequently trended up again. In the longer term, prices are likely to remain firm, if volatile, in the face of growing world population, limited (and even declining) areas of agricultural land – some areas even becoming unproductive (with desertification, salinisation and pollution), restraints on further productivity gains and the spread of various serious pests and diseases (including exotics), the uncertain trend towards biofuels, especially when mineral fuel prices are high, and increased household expenditure on luxury pro­ducts (chocolate, etc) with growing wealth in emerging markets.

Market demand and hence prices change, and some crops will invariably gain favour, or even be discovered, or substituted. Some vegetable oil prices are now closely linked to (mineral) oil prices; minor crops invariably experience volatility, thanks to small markets and usually localised production, so a local drought, cyclone or conflict, can force up prices overnight (as with Madagascar’s cyclones with vanilla), dropping back almost as quickly as production recovers; failing to compete on quality with traditional producers (or gaining a bad name from trade abuses – like false quality specification) will also severely undermine prices and market prospects for all producers. With minor crops, even when making the necessary commitment to quality and standards, it’s preferable to spread the risk, by producing a range of crops, probably including a reliable traditional major crop.

When cardamom prices rocketed in the early 1980s, and vanilla two decades later,some ill-advised producers replaced their main cash crops (cocoa and coffee) to enjoy the spice bonanza, only to find prices crash, especially for poorly processed product (eg cardamom smoked over fires), just as the main crop prices rose.

Paul Barker is executive director of the Institute of National Affairs

Deal to revive coffee's sister commodity -cocoa project

Source: 

The National, Thursday 03rd May 2012

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/32320

By ABIGAIL APINA
NGIP Agmark Ltd has started implementing a K2.8 million project to address and improve cocoa productivity in the industry over a three-year period after an agreement was signed in Kokopo last Friday. Agmark signed an agreement with PNG Sustainable Development Program Ltd and PNG Cocoa Coconut Institute to cooperate in the cocoa rehabilitation project in East New Britain. PNGSDP has funded the project for a value of K2.8 million and will manage the project’s finance while Agmark will implement it. It is understood that CCI will provide technical advisory services to the project and provide lead in the household survey, monitor and evaluate the project.

The project includes an establishment of a farmer training and dormitory facilities, and training of farmers on industry best agronomic practices of growing and managing cocoa trees for maximum production. It is understood that the training facility would be constructed at Tokiala, one of Agmark’s plantation in the province and nurseries and bud wood gardens would also be established in various project sites where they would be easily accessible by the farmers. The project will also establish nurseries at strategic locations to supply 234,591 cocoa seedlings which is equivalent to 282ha of new cocoa plantings to 1,172 households. Each household will receive 200 seedlings for planting and these households will be from Kadaulung, Sikut, Warongoi, Toma, Bita­galip, Tokiala and inland Baining.

The MoA stated that production and productivity in the cocoa industry had declined significantly over the last 10 years due to age and senility of current of current cocoa plants, incursion of the cocoa pod borer and farmers not having access to good planting materials. It highlighted that since CPB was first detected in the province in 2006, it has become a significant economic pest with drastic decline in cocoa production as infestation levels over the economic threshold limit of 50% to 60%. The impact of CPB on individual farmers and the provincial economy was devastating as smallholders were now switching away from cocoa farming to other subsistence activities.

According to an overview of the project, the combined impacts of these factors have devastated the industry. It stated that 97% of cocoa production comes from smallholders and over 76% of households rely on cocoa for incomes. The project’s overview stated that impact on rural livelihood was particularly severe with a significant flow on effects on health, education services and general business as people’s main source of income declined.

CCI has reported that in the province , cocoa production has dropped from 20,227 tons to 8,000 per year between 2004-05 and 2009-10 representing a drop in monetary value from K141.6 million to K56 million over the period. The K2.8 million project is expected to make a substantial contribution to the rehabilitation of smallholder cocoa production and the management of CPB in the province and other cocoa producing areas. The project will end on March 2015.

Use mobile technology for business-coffee

Source: 

The National, Thursday 03rd May 2012

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/32321

By BOSORINA ROBBY
BANK South Pacific customers can now buy electricity units from their bank accounts using BSP’s mobile banking service on either the Digicel or Citifon networks. “This new functionality on BSP’s mobile banking brings greater convenience to customers who can now top-up their EasiPAY meter directly from their bank accounts via SMS, from the luxury of their home, office or on the go, 24 hours a day and seven days a week,” BSP Group CEO Ian Clyne said yesterday in Port Moresby to mark the launch of the service.

It will cost 25t per SMS on Digicel and 50t per SMS on Citifon as transaction fees on top of the normal K1 charge. By partnering with PNG Power, Digicel PNG and Telikom PNG, Clyne said it was part of BSP’s commitment to delivering convenient and innovative banking solutions for its customers. Clyne acknowledged that its mobile banking and other services to bring banking to the people was made possible through the technology that Digicel introduced in PNG. He said by using mobile banking, customers could avoid cash and queues at physical locations to make their power purchases. Topping up with EasiPay is one of the services customers can get apart from checking account balances, transferring funds, topping with Digicel phone credits and 3G broadband modem and checking their transactions. “BSP is committed to making banking easier and more convenient.”

We do this by providing the latest online and mobile banking facilities, more branches, thousands of EFTPOS facilities and hundreds of ATMs - more than any bank in the South Pacific,” Clyne said. Before making a purchase, customers have to sign up for mobile banking to register their Digicel or Citifon mobile numbers as well as their own or another’s power meter numbers. To make a purchase, simply text ‘Top easi’ to ‘16288’ and the amount to purchase, for example: ‘Top easi 10’. The EasiPAY top up has a daily limit, with a minimum of K10 per request and K200 as maximum. If the EasiPAY token is not accepted on your meter, contact PNG Power for assistance on 324 3550 or 324 3551.

PNG Power Ltd CEO Tony Koiri said the partnership with BSP was an avenue which they aim to provide greater accessibility, convenience and satisfaction to their customers, as they first did with Digicel PNG. Digicel PNG CEO John Mangos challenged other companies to follow BSP’s lead in utilising Digicel’s network to push their own services in the competitive market to bring innovation a lot quicker to their customers. Telikom PNG acting CEO Charles Litau urged Citifon users who bank with BSP to utilise the service with 50t SMS rate. He said it was worthwhile to note that in today’s modern world of innovative technology, mobile phones could, not only be used to communicate, but also to conduct business and maintain household needs.

Coffee & agriculture research hand-in-hand

Source: 

The National Tuesday 01st May 2012

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/32159

By JAMES LARAKI
ON Friday, the National Agricultural Research Institute will be commemorating 15 years of dedicated contribution to innovative agricultural development through scientific research, knowledge creation and information exchange. NARI has been in the forefront promoting and undertaking agricultural research for sustainable development since its establishment in 1997. In these 15 years, the institute has been recognised nationally and internationally as the lead research organisation of high development relevance to PNG. To commemorate its 15th anniversary, the institute will host its annual Agricultural Innovations Show on Friday at the Sir Alkan Tololo Research Centre, 10 Mile – Bubia, outside Lae. It is based on the theme “Investing in innovative agriculture for prosperity”.

The theme reaffirms NARI’s view that progress through innovative agricultural development is essential if PNG is to realise Vision 2050 and become a wealthy and prosperous nation.  The nation has the need, great potential and vast opportunity to prosper through innovative agriculture. To do that, the focus must be on investing in innovative agriculture. This is in line with NARI’s efforts to encourage consistent investment in agriculture, particularly in research to develop technologies and innovations which are crucial agents for innovative agriculture and rural development. With the economy projected to grow at about 8.5% and the LNG and other related projects coming on stream, PNG has a more favourable environment and opportunities now than ever before for all stakeholders to make positive contribution to innovative agricultural development in general, and to research, science and technology, in particular. Since its inception in 2007, the show has become a popular annual event to recognise and value the importance of innovations in agricultural development, and create and promote awareness on the significant role of research, science and technology in innovative agricultural and rural development.

The chief guest at the event will be the team leader of PNG Vision 2050 and director-general of the Office of Higher Education, Prof David Kavanamur. More than 50 research and development organisations, extension service providers, private sector, NGOs, women’s groups, innovative farmers and community groups will have the opportunity to display their inventions and innovations. NARI’s vision is to have a “prosperous PNG agricultural communities” and to realise this vision, it stands by its mission “to promote innovative agricultural development through scientific research, knowledge creation and information exchange”. NARI research and development programmes fall within the framework and priorities set by the government’s medium-term development plan, development strategic plan 2010-30, Vision 2050 and the national agricultural development plan.

They are designed to contribute to food security, improved incomes, growth and sustainable agricultural development in PNG. Their main targets are smallholder farmers and rural communities. In a bid to remain focused and efficient, NARI has adopted a four-tier system of planning comprising a corporate plan, strategic plan 2006-15 and strategy and results framework 2011-20. These plans, which chart the way forward for the immediate and medium terms, are translated into actions through annual implementation plans and reviews. An annual implementation plan for this year has been prepared and is being implemented. NARI will be demonstrating how it is addressing various needs and aspirations of the nation and its people. Its regional centres will participate with exhibitions and demonstrations on a wide range of activities. They cover innovative farming practices and improved crop varieties, livestock production and management practices, and resource management issues based on NARI’s applied and adaptive researches.

Farmers and the public will also get to know the technical, analytical and diagnostic services and up-to-date information that the Institute provides to the agriculture sector. So far, the institute has released 27 sets of improved technologies to the farming community. It is currently implementing more than 40 research and development projects. On the occasion of the 15th anniversary, NARI acknowledges the invaluable support from the government of PNG, AusAID, European Union, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and key collaborators and partners both locally and abroad. With continued support, NARI continues to work towards knowledge creation and technology generation and transfer as its core functions so as to improve agricultural productivity and production, reduce poverty, create broad-based economic growth and generate improved welfare for all in PNG. NARI strongly believes agricultural research and innovations should be the heart of agricultural development in PNG. And the annual Agricultural Innovations Show is one such effort that could lead towards agricultural innovations in the country.

This event which formally started in 2007 on the occasion of NARI’s 10th Anniversary is unique for the country because it is the first of its kind to recognise and value the importance of innovations in agricultural development. The show continues to provide opportunities for stakeholders in the agriculture sector and participants to see these innovations, which have the potential to promote and improve agriculture in PNG. It will allow stakeholders to come together to share information, exchange views and showcase their activities. While the importance of science, research and technology is appreciated for any development, these alone are not sufficient to bring real development and prosperity to the people. What is needed is to link research outputs to development impacts. We have to create an effective bridge between the scientific world and development. This is what NARI will do on Friday

Rice farming an alternate for coffee farming

Source: 

The National, 01st May 2012

http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/32151

By ABIGAIL APINA

RICE farming has taken Gazelle district, East New Britain province, by storm, a recent report says. The report, compiled by Gazelle district and released last month, said with the population explosion experienced in many parts of the province, the district adopted rice farming to address food security and to further diversify its agricultural activities. The report said there were now several hundred active rice farmers in the district. It said since rice farming was introduced in 2009-10, an estimated K600,000 had been allocated by the Gazelle joint district planning and budget priority committee to the infant industry. It said with farmers facing problems with the cocoa pod borer, they were struggling to make ends meet.

The report said cocoa production in the district went down by nearly 80% between 2007 and 2009, causing people to neglect their cocoa patches and resorting to other crops such as rice and copra. Gazelle MP Malakai Tabar pumped more funding into rice farming. The report said the district introduced the rice intervention programme and allocated an initial K120,000 funding support with the primary objective of providing an alternative agricultural activity. The Gazelle joint district planning and budget priority committee approved the purchase of 12 rice milling machines at a cost of K144,000 to begin the programme.

The report said an additional five milling machines were bought for K35,000 and later three large milling machines were bought for K168,000 to meet demand as interest among farmers rose, Rice farmer and senior trainer Peter Birau, who now heads the rice intervention programme, said in the latter part of 2010 and early 2011 most people in the district were buying rice locally. He said rice farming was being undertaken by everyone in the community, including school children and churches. “As more people venture into the industry, there is great need for more training and more technical information to reach the farmers for quality control,” Birau said. He said farmers needed to be trained on post-harvest methods in drying and milling to produce quality rice.

Coffee under the fair trade radar

The Fair Trade organization has come to Papua New Guinea and doing very well. This organization looks at a lot of cash crops such cocoa, copra, coffee, sugar cane, etc. Fair Trade has certified few coffee and cocoa companies and co-operative societies of Papua New Guinea. They meet certain requirement and standards which Fair Trade has set. Fair Trade independently audit organizations and verify their conformity with the Fair-trade Standards. Their certification process ensures that economic, social and environmental standards are met in the production of (agricultural) products and is aimed at both producers and traders. It also ensures that producers receive a Fair-trade Minimum Price and Premium.

 

Why fair-trade certification?

The following are some reasons for their certifications. (1) They ensure credibility of Fair trade labeling towards Customers; (2) Credibility is one of the big selling points of Fair trade (3) Manage Risks for Producers and Traders 3 (i) Reputational Risk: Co-Branding (ii) Market Risk: Reliable Framework. According to the meeting in Madang in July 2011 a triangle was shown how the Fair Trade certificate is earned. At the top (Apex) of the triangle is the Certification, the left hand-side is development and the right-hand side is the secure supply. This secures the certification. Many organizations which are certified are enjoying the premium prices for the Fair Trade. A big player is a cocoa cooperative in Wewak, East Sepik Province.

Pulping coffee manually

The love and desire of Coffee is highly cherished in nearly all of the remotest parts of Papua New Guinea where coffee is grown as a cash crop. Coffee is harvested and delivered either to the village or where small coffee plot owners dwell. The freshly harvested cherries are manually pulped. It is an activity the whole family carry out. The people form either a circle or a rectangle around the cherry mount and they pulp as many cherries as they can. One such place is a village in Obura-Wanenare electorate in Eastern Highlands Province as shown in the image.

This is not unique to Obura-Wanenare only. Kumukio in Sialum local level government, Morobe Province also faces the similar scenario. A portable drum pulper costs approximately PGK800.00 (US$320.00). This vital piece of equipment is unaffordable to this people. Manual and machine pulping do the same quality of work. However, in terms of rate which is measured as mass per unit of time indicates manual pulping as the slowest (at the snail speed). The average is 5 kilograms per hour whereas machine pulping does 60 kilograms in one hour. Machine is highly recommended because it is twelve time efficient. The political leadership of Papua New Guinea should realize that coffee is one cash crop that helps the remote people’s cash economy. Hence, more funds and resources should be concentrated on this vital cash crop in terms of purchasing portable coffee machines.

Waghi folks lose control of farm

Source: 
JAMES APA GUMUNO

THE people of North and South Waghi in Western Highlands no longer own Waghi Mek Coffee Plantations Ltd, a National Court in Mt Hagen learned yesterday. A lawyer representing two defendants produced a document to show that the people of the two electorates now owed only Damine Plantation. Bossipe Aipe said that the 45ha of coffee trees were being invaded by thick bush. He said the councils of North and South Waghi and managing director Dick Hagon had owned 14 plantations, including Waghi Mek Coffee and Damine. It was now no longer the case, he told the court. Eleven plantations had been transferred to Eastern Pacific Mines Ltd, a company owned by Mr. Hagon, he said.

The titles were transferred in April 2007 by the Bank South Pacific, he said. Two others, namely Wagamil Main and Wagamil Extension, were still owned by Wagamil Plantation Ltd, he said. Mr. Aipe, counsel for Sam Yuants and Paul Pou, was making his submissions before Justice Allan David. Waghi Mek Plantations Ltd is suing his clients over the transfer of the titles. They are claiming that the company does not having standing to sue them and wants the entire proceedings dismissed.

On Monday, Mr. Aipe said the court should dismiss the matter and recommend to the authorities to investigate how the titles were transferred to Eastern Pacific Mines. He said the plaintiff knew about it but chose not to disclose it. He described it as a total abuse of the court process and that the matter should be dismissed. Mr. Aipe said according to the Lands Department, Eastern Pacific Mines held the titles over the following plantations previously owned by Waghi Mek Plantation – Talu, Karmal, Mintal, Karamang, Banz Block, Warakar, Sigiri, Jibina, Waghi, Kilip and Mangara. He said Wagamil Plantation still held the title over the Wagamil Extension and Wagamil Main plantations. "The plaintiff has filed proceedings alleging that it owns these plantations referred to by Mr. Hagon's affidavit filed on Jan 26.

"A file search at the Lands Department in Port Moresby shows that Waghi Mek Plantation Ltd owns only one plantation known as Damine being portion 158 volumes 43, folio 141." He said the Government had promised to allocate K20 million to rehabilitate Waghi Mek Plantations Ltd but it would seem that the North and South Waghi LLGs no longer owned the plantations.
He claimed that some people had transferred the plantations to Eastern Pacific Mines. Peter Kopunye, representing defendants Ben Kombangil and Michael Mondo, said he was ready to proceed with his motion but that Mr. Aipe's motion should be dealt with first together with the others filed by the counsel for the other 13 defendants. On June 19, the plaintiff was granted a court order restraining the defendants from cutting, felling and milling timber in the plantations.

Be the coffee bean

Source:

Post Courier, New Age Woman

http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20120427/frhome.htm

This is a very good illustration for real life situation and Coffee bean is one of the items used for this parabolic statement.

Drink for and be like a coffee bean that releases its aroma and flavor...."A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling.

It seemed that, as one problem was solved, a new one arose. Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to a boil. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans.

She let them sit and boil, without saying a word. In about twenty minutes, she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, “Tell me what you see?”

“Carrots, eggs, and coffee,” the young woman replied. The mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. She then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, “What does it mean, mother?”

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity - boiling water - but each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.

The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened! The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

“Which are you?” the mother asked her daughter. “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?” Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong but, with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit but, after a death, a break-up, or a financial hardship, does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and and flavour.

If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hours are the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?

Lighting things up

Source: 
The National, Friday 27th 2012

IN Papua New Guinea, which has no national power grid but large river systems and abundant sunshine, renewable energy has tremendous potential to transform remote rural lives with clean and sustainable electricity. Ten years ago Nick Nait, who lives in a small village near Mount Sion in the Eastern Highlands with his wife and children, introduced electricity to his household for the first time. While working for a missionary organization Nait learnt how to make solar power systems and subsequently built a small one for his two-room dwelling. The single solar panel powers a radio, lighting and television. For Nait, solar power is affordable and dependable. "It depends on the weather, but when there is sun, there is no problem," he said, "It is very reliable and I rarely have to do repairs."

After the initial cost of making and installing the solar unit, he has had few ongoing expenses and, once fully charged, the system will provide light in his home for one month. Like Nait, many people living in the rural Highlands face economic and environmental challenges. Garaio Gafiye of Clean Energy Solutions, a consultancy for renewable energy projects in PNG, told IPS, "The Highlands is a very rugged area and there are so many communities. Renewable energy is very important, especially hydro, there is so much of it, and solar also. But the problem is incomes are very low in the Highlands and managing money can be quite difficult."
Families have been forced to become very resourceful in order to access energy at minimal expense.

"Solar is very easy to install," Gafiye continued; "Now if you go to some of the communities, (at least) one or two people have solar systems, just simple ones. They just get the panel and a battery and put it together." Obtaining sustainable electricity has made a vital difference to Nait's family. "We now have lighting in our home, access to information and the news from radio and TV and my children can do their school work and study in the evenings," Nait explained, "Although we do not have an electric stove, my wife finds it very helpful to have lighting while she is cooking at home." Now he plans to expand the capacity of his solar unit to drive a water pump and eventually bring clean water from a nearby well to his home. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), without access to energy, developing countries become trapped in poverty. The denial of choices to improve human development through energy is known to negatively impact infant mortality, life expectancy and income generation, among many others.

Sadly, this year, the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All, the IEA estimates that 1.4 billion people, or nearly one quarter of the world's population, remain without access to electricity. PNG Power Limited, the nation's only power provider, claims it is unfeasible to construct a national grid system due to dense mountainous topography and long distances between load centers. Therefore, many villages still rely on traditional biomass, such as firewood, for cooking and heating, with diesel generators providing a popular alternative. But the high price of fuel means that generators are used sparingly, often for no more than a few hours each day. "It is very cheap to purchase a diesel engine, but it won't last long," Gafiye said, "It could last four or five years but after that, if you work out the economics, it is not (cost efficient) to keep running it."

Renewable technologies, which are practical for standalone systems and provide power 24 hours per day, are the best option for those living in remote areas.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the total primary energy supply in PNG is 145.9 petajoules (PJ), of which renewable energy accounts for 115.2 PJ (roughly 79 percent). Electrical capacity is 699 megawatts, with renewable electricity comprising 271 MW (about 39 percent of the total). Hydroelectricity presently accounts for 65 percent of PNG Power's electricity provision and also supplies all the electricity required to implement the government's Rural Electrification Programme. Jacob Yala, who works for the Rural Electrification Programme in the Eastern Highlands, said it was a very good state initiative, but there were labor and logistical challenges. "The PNG Power training college in Port Moresby has not been operating for some time," Yala said. "So for the past five years, we have experienced a manpower shortage. We've got five regions in Papua New Guinea to work (but) we cannot develop all the regions at the same time."

The terrain presents additional obstacles. "In 2009, we began a 42-kilometre electrification project near Kainantu, but could only energize a seven- kilometer stretch because road access to the area was too difficult," Yala continued. The programme now focuses on providing electricity to community service centers, such as medical clinics, hospitals and schools. Meanwhile, for village households where livelihoods mostly centre on subsistence agriculture, solar can be more viable than hydro power. "Solar is successful, it is not a problem," Gafiye said. "But for hydro, one kilowatt in the Highlands will cost 20,000-30,000 kina. In the coastal area, where there are wharves, it is cheaper because transportation costs are almost nil. But once you transport materials up by air and land (into the Highlands), the cost will increase."
Solar equipment can be readily acquired in PNG, but turbine generators for hydroelectric schemes have to be custom made by an overseas manufacturer. Renewable energy will be critical to sustainable development in Papua New Guinea, and the wider Pacific Islands, as they confront high fossil fuel costs and the impacts of climate change.

In 2007, the Pacific Islands Greenhouse Gas Abatement through Renewable Energy Project (PIGGAREP) was initiated by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). Funded by the Global Environment Facility and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the project aims to address impediments to the widespread implementation and use of renewable energy technologies by Pacific Island states. Meanwhile Papua New Guinea's investment in the renewable sector could significantly expand if a proposed joint venture, between PNG Sustainable Development Programme Limited and the Australian company Origin Energy, proceeds, following feasibility study. The Purari Hydro-Electric Project would draw on the capacity of the Purari River in the Gulf Province to generate an estimated 1800 megawatts of renewable electricity for rural communities and public service providers.

Fun roasting coffee at home

Coffee is a popular any time drink and one whose taste can vary depending on how the coffee is brewed and the type of coffee beans used. If you want to control the flavor of your coffee, you may want to consider roasting your own coffee at home. This is a simple procedure that requires minimal equipment. However, you may need to try the procedure a few times first in order to obtain the coffee taste that you desire. To roast coffee at home you will need a standard frying pan. The size of the pan varies depending on how many beans you are roasting. Also, you will need dry, unroasted (green) beans that you can purchase from a coffee specialty store. Place the beans in the pan and turn your stovetop on to medium-high heat. As the beans roast you must turn them frequently to avoid burning them. Normal roasting time is approximately 15 minutes. During the roasting process you will notice the beans changing color from light green/brown to a darker brown. In addition, a coffee aroma will be generated from the pan. It is very important that the beans be turned constantly as they roast. This preserves the beans' flavor and aroma.

When the beans have roasted for some time, you will notice that they will become greasy. This occurs as the natural oils within the beans are released during the roasting process. Once the oils appear on all the beans, the roasting process is concluded. At this point, if you prefer a stronger or harsher coffee taste, continue to roast the beans an additional 5-7 minutes. After the beans are roasted, remove them from the pan and place them on a plate that is covered with a paper towel or cloth. Placing the beans on a paper towel or cloth is necessary to remove some of the excess oils from the beans. Keep the beans on the plate until they are cool to the touch. Once cooled, you can ground them for use or move them to a storage container. Selecting beans to roast depends entirely on the taste that you want your coffee to have. Besides the country where a coffee bean is grown, coffee beans differ in quality depending on the altitude at which they are grown. Lowland, high altitude, and higher altitude beans all have different tastes; the higher altitude beans have more flavor and aroma than the lower altitude ones. It is also important to note the blend type of the coffee. For example, Arabica is a mixture of beans that were originally grown in the Middle East but which are now grown worldwide. This coffee type produces a strong coffee with a harsher taste and is typically used in espresso and Turkish coffee. Meanwhile, mountain-grown blends are milder, more flavorful, and are popular as general all-purpose coffees.

Because coffee companies produce many variations on coffee blends you may want to inquire first about the types of beans used in a blend before you purchase them for roasting. Additionally, if you are willing to experiment, purchase bean types separately and make your own mix for roasting.

Wet processing method

This technique of processing ensures a much higher quality product. It is always used for preparing mild Arabica coffee, particularly in Central and Latin America. This method is currently used in Papua New Guinea farms, Keronge coffee is no exception. It requires processing equipment (for the initial cleaning/classification-pulping-fermentation-washing and drying). The method is good when there is an abundant supply of clean water, and the harvesting of ripe fruits only. An important difference from the dry processing method is that most of the outer coverings of the coffee bean are removed before drying.

1.         Receiving

It is important that only ripe fruits are harvested, as existing pulpers cannot deal with green berries or berries that have dried on the tree. The crop must be transported as quickly as possible to the processing centre to avoid heating of the mass, which can result in irreparable damage (production of discoloured beans, sticker beans, etc.). The crop is generally unloaded into a receiving tank equipped with an overflow weir to remove the floaters. This simple system fulfills several functions: separating floating from non-floating berries, eliminating sand and stones. And removing leaves/twigs, etc. the floaters, made up of berries dried on the tree and insect-attacked are then generally processed by the dry method.

2.         Pulping

            Pulping consists of removing the exocarp (outer) and the major part of the mesocarp (fleshy portion), which is referred to as the ‘pulp’. If is a delicate operation, for if the bean itself is damaged it will be susceptible to microbial attack and penetration by undesirable substances. The principle on which the pulpers work is essentially the ‘tearing off’ of the exocarp and mesocarp of the berries, which operation is carried out under running water. Conventional pulping does not remove all of the mesocarp, which the mucilage is adhering to the parchment surrounding the actual coffee beans together with the testa. The yield expressed as dry green coffee varies with the species: Arabica at 15% - 19%, robusta at 18% - 23% and Arabica at 13% - 16%. The various types of pulper are described in the sections following.

3.         Separation/Classification

            The berries are not perfectly sorted in the receiving tank; there is a further opportunity after they have left the pulper, again by flotation by different means. This is particularly appropriate for mild Arabica coffee, since, for example, floating parchment coffee (i.e. with the pulp and mucilage removed) contains very few healthy beans. The following methods can be used at this stage.

            i)          Draining

                        Using small vertical boards acting as a spillway for circulation in running water, the lightest beans go the furthest, and the heaviest are stopped by the first boards.

            ii)         Use of Fermentation Tanks

                        Fermentation to remove mucilage is described on following notes on fermentation together with the operation of the tanks.

            iii)        Aagaard Densimetric Grader

                        This grader is based on the jigging principle used to separate minerals from coal. Jigging consists of placing the heterogeneous matter on a sieve submerged in water. The sieve moves to create ascending and descending currents, and with each pulsation the beans are suspended and resettled. The heaviest beans move towards the bottom of the layer and lightest move towards the top. When this machine is positioned between the pulper and repasser, it separates the mass into three categories: small berries that have not been pulped, heavy beans that are removed by a scraper conveyor, and light beans.

4.         Fermentation

            The objective of fermentation is to hydrolyse the mucilage, already mentioned, in order to facilitate its final removal during subsequent washing. If mucilage remains present during drying, there is the risk of undesirable fermentation, which is detrimental to the quality of the coffee. Biochemically speaking, the hydrolysis of pectin is caused by a pectinase already in the fruit, but the reaction is accelerated by different micro-organisms, such as Saccharomyces, which also a have pectinolytic properties. The rate of hydrolysis depends upon the temperature; consequently, it is necessary to adapt the length of the fermentation period to existing ambient conditions. Some micro organisms can cause off flavours to develop, particularly in prolonged fermentation. It is important to prevent the development of harmful species (moulds, aerogenic coli) by encouraging the development of acidogenic species.

Fermentation can be carried out either ‘dry’ or under water.

Fermentation is most often carried out in concrete tanks, which vary considerably in size. For small scale production like the ones practice in Papua New Guinea copper dishes, bucket and canoes are used. The length of the fermentation time differs mainly as a function of climatic conditions and the condition of the crop.

Big sales for Keronge coffee

In the year 2009, Keronge coffee made a big sale. The coffee parchment were all gathered and packed together at Wagum (Nanda). They were weighed and packed properly into white coffee bags at 50 kilograms per bag. There were all together over 3 tones. The parchment bags were delivered by Sulu Raider a trucking company in Sialum. It was also assisted by Blue Bird another trucking company from Bakon village. The former is from Wetnga mixed Zankoa village. The both companies charge are freight of PGK20.00 per bag. The 3 tones was shifter from Wagum to Finschafen for almost 4 days. The coffee bags were then shipped to Lae by the MV Maneba of Lutheran Shipping. The freight charges were almost PGK170.00 The 3 tons of coffee was transported to Biwapi coffee processing facility at nine mile in Lae. The facility process the coffee of a cost of PGK0.10 per kilogram. The transport cost was PK5.00 per bag.

After the processing samples were taken to Coffee Industry Corporation which requested for samples to be tested before the green bean is going to be sold or exported. The report was favorable. There was a 80% recovery from the processing. This implies that 80% of 3,000 kilograms were sellable to the buyer. Approximately, 2.4 tones of green bean coffee were packed and ready to be sold to the buyers. A buyer was found and the beans were sold at PGK10.00 per kilogram. A total of PGK24,000.00 was made from this shipment.

US buys Kabwum coffee

By Frank Rai

Post Courier 28th February 2012

Organic coffee from the remote Kabwum District of Morobe Province has for the first time reached the shores of the United States of America (USA). The project was spearhead by remote Yus Local Level Government (LLG) council area, the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program (TKCP), Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC), and a USA-based coffee company, Caffe Vita with local coffee farmers.

The move was an outcome of the local people’s commitment to pledge their land to conservation, especially protecting endangered species of the tree kangaroo. The project known as PNG YUS farm Direct Coffee is now available in limited edition, 340g bags at Seattle, Washington Caffe Vita locations and online at

“For the first time, these farmers have a real opportunity to earn the money they need to put their children through school and provide for their health care,” he said. Mr Sipa said Caffe Vita was willing to pay a premium price for the YUS beans not only for their quality which was enhanced through technical trainings from CIC’s extension officers, but also because of the environmentally friendly produce. Meanwhile, Woodland Park Zoo senior conservation scientist and director of the zoo’s Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program Dr Lisa Dabek said the mountainous YUS LLG was so remote, with no roads leading in or out of the area. Dr Dabek said the area was only accessible by light aircrafts and the organisations knew that this effort could only be possible with the guidance of an expert partner who could help establish an infrastructure for transporting coffee as well as real market products. The doctor said Caffe Vita stepped up not only to provide the structure and market support, but also came to PNG to meet the farmers, train them on coffee cultivation techniques and help improve their product to the sensibilities of the gourmet Seattle coffee market.

"The farmers of YUS have shown remarkable progress toward implementing the changes necessary to improve yields, and, more importantly, the quality of their coffee," said Daniel Shewmaker, Caffe Vita sustainable coffee buyer said. "Our goal is the continual refinement of these farming and processing practices, with the reward being an improvement to their livelihoods, a strengthening of the conservation area, and a cup of coffee like no other." The coffee available on shelves now is a blend made up of the best in beans from several YUS villages purchased from a total of 54 farmers. The coffee project is one aspect of the YUS CA long term partnership

http://www.caffevita.com/ . However, grown in shade without the use of pesticides, this marks the first-ever coffee from the Yus LLG made commercially available in the U.S, purchased directly from the growers at a premium price. “The YUS farmers have had so many challenges trying to sell their coffee in the past, but now they have reason for hope,” Benjamin Sipa, TKCP Sustainable Livelihoods Co-ordinator said.

PNG coffee rated highly

WESTERN Highlands coffee farmer Madan Coffee plantation has landed PNG in the top five specialty coffee producer in the world. Madan, which is a member of the Rainforest Alliance Certified farms in the world, took part in the Rainforest Alliance’s December Cupping for Quality, held at the Specialty Coffee Association of America Lab in Long Beach, California. Madan scored high, ranking fifth after Peru and Kenya. The Rainforest Alliance’s biannual cupping event recognizes farmers around the world for their hard work in producing high quality sustainable coffee. During the event, a total of 45 coffee samples from eight origins were submitted. More than 95% of the samples scored above 80, the threshold for the designation of “specialty coffee”, which also indicated that sustainable farming could contribute to the production of high quality coffee. Madan scored 84.56 after top scoring Tunki in Peru (87.92), Deep River Kwanyoka Estate in Kenya (86.06), Peru’s Ururi (85.25), and Mihando in Kenya (85.19). Other estates and plantations, which made it into the top ten include Kenya’s Githaka (84.50), Kihuri Estate (84.41), Machure Estate (84.33), and Muthaite (84.31), while Parry Estate’s Kona Gold Coffee plantation in Hawaii, USA, ranked 10th (84.25).

Event hostess and coordinator of the Alliance’s Sustainable Agriculture division, Maya Albanese, congratulated Madan and the other coffee farms for producing more and better quality coffee. According to Madan Coffee and Tea plantation general manager Isaac Yalde, who was at the meet, Albanese had stressed that the improvement of workers conditions and livelihoods was essential for the farms productivity. Albanese also said the reduction of waste, energy consumption and agrochemical usage, increased soil quality and biodiversity, and facilitated the production of better crops. Established in the 1960’s, Madan is located in the Waghi valley in Anglimp South Waghi, which was recently declared a part of the new Jiwaka province.

It is owned and operated by Highlands Arabica’s Ltd, which ensures that the coffee is grown and processed at Madan and exported directly to roasters all over the world, including the US, Norway, Australia, Japan and Eastern Europe.http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/29186

Two main processing methods of coffee

At the coffee production sites (farms and estates), two different main methods of processing are used to obtain intermediate products that will subsequently be treated in exactly the same way to provide the coffee beans of commerce.

These methods are dry processing, which produces dried cherry coffee and wet processing, which produces (dry) parchment coffee. Dry processing is generally used for Robusta coffee, but is also used in Brazil for the majority of Arabica coffees. Wet processing, on the other, hand, is used for Arabica and results in so-called mild coffee, when fermentation is included in the preparation process. Dry processing is very simple and, most important of all, is less demanding in respect of harvesting, since all the berries or cherries are dried immediately after harvest. In contrast, wet processing requires more strict control of the harvesting as unripe berries or berries that have partly dried on the tree cannot be handled by the pulping machines.

After drying, the processing stages (or so-called curing) of dried cherry coffee and parchment coffee are very similar, differences lying in details of the equipment used to remove the remaining outer coverings from the green coffee beans, size grading and colourimetric sorting

Morobe coffee ranked third in PNG

http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20120425/wehome.htm

MOROBE Province has beaten Chimbu Province to secure the third highest ranking in coffee production in the country, according to the 2011 coffee production figures compiled by the Coffee Industry Corporation Ltd. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Coffee Industry Corporation Ltd (CIC) Navi Anis revealed that Morobe’s coffee production made a historic record of 91,051 while Chimbu’s production fell slightly at 71,174 bags with close to 20,000 bags difference. Mr Anis, however, said production figure for Chmbu Province may not reflect its true status, as coffee from the province are usually brought down to sell in Goroka and can be recorded under production figures for Eastern Highlands. Eastern Highlands Province led the production with 695,312 bags while Western Highlands Province with 543,893 bags.

The figures are usually collected and compiled by CIC through copies of sales dockets provided by coffee companies operating in each province. Meanwhile, an elated Morobe-based CIC’s provincial farmer training and extension coordinator, Simon Gesip, was delighted to hear the news and praised the effort of networking partners in the province, including Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program, Bris Kanda, Mainland Holdings Coffee Division, Morobe Provincial Government’s Extension arm of SSCF, all district Department of Agriculture Livestock officers and the coffee farmers in the provinces for their dedication and hard work. He said the achievement was through committed partnerships between these stakeholders. Another factor to the high production is the determination of the humble Morobe farmers to target selling their coffee in the high value international coffee markets.

Two advanced groups are the Neknasi Coffee Growers Corporative Group from Nawaeb District and the YUS Conservation Coffee from the remote Kabwum District. They are linked with Fairtrade (Australia & New Zealand) and America-based coffee company, Caffe’ Vita respectively.

Other coffee farmer groups in the nine districts of Morobe, including Finschaffen, Wau/Bulolo, Menyamya and Tewae/Siassi are preparing to follow suit. According to a recent socio-economic survey done by the National Research Institute, food crops is the leading agricultural produce of the province, followed by betelnut and coffee.