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.
This is a success story of a Papua New Guinean who pursues coffee as a cash crop for cash economy. The more you investment the more out come you get. That is what Mr. Kumbamong has done. He is reaping the benefits of coffee farming and selling in Papua New Guinea. It gives employment and put money to the local economy and the people.
ReplyDeleteMore people of Mr. Kumbamong's calibre has rise up and take the bull by its horns.