Niugini Organics, an expanding exporter of organic coconut products made in PNG, is showcasing a business model which benefits smallholder groups in East New Britain. Business Advantage PNG spoke with director Dennis Hill to find out more.
Agribusiness
Business welcomes the Agriculture Minister’s decision to temporarily lift a ban on some imported vegetables, but calls for more government support to lift production—and more consultation.
Now in its fifth month, PNG’s drought is having its biggest impact in high altitude locations and on the fringe of the Central Highlands, according to Agricultural Scientist, Dr Mike Bourke. He told Business Advantage PNG that this year’s drought is at least as bad as the 1997 drought, which affected nearly a million people in rural PNG.
The suspension of a second mine in Papua New Guinea has highlighted the impact of the El Nino drought, which is also severely affecting the agriculture industry. Just how long the drought continues for will determine the long-term effects, according to Paul Barker, the Executive Director of the Institute of National Affairs.
Last month, Agriculture Minister, Tommy Tomscoll, told rice companies to start investing and producing rice in country. But, as the CEO of the country’s dominant producer tells Business Advantage PNG, Trukai has already committed to invest tens of millions of kina in plantations.
A year after launching a producing fruit and vegetable operation serving the domestic market around Port Moresby, agricultural developer Innovative Agro Industry is looking at opportunities to export its Papua New Guinea produce to other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
To expand its local sourcing footprint SP Brewery has launched a new project with the Papua New Guinea Government to develop cassava farms that will provide ingredients for beer manufacturing.
Poultry producers in Papua New Guinea have welcomed a ban on raw poultry imports from Australia, saying it will strengthen PNG’s biosecurity regime.
A rising middle-class in Papua New Guinea is seeing the emergence of a wider variety of food and beverage businesses, particularly in Port Moresby. It also reflects, say food specialists, an increasing demand for high quality food products in PNG.
The Port Moresby Stock Exchange will lose a major member next week, with the de-listing of New Britain Palm Oil (NBPOL). Meanwhile, another listed stock, Indochine Mining, has gone into voluntary administration.