Coffee Berry Borer impacts WHP coffee

More than 350 tonnes of cherry coffee have been rejected from the Waghi area in Western Highlands due to the spread of the Coffee Berry Borer (CBB).

In a media statement the CIC said that a checkpoint set up at Kondapina has rejected about 370 tonnes of cherry coffee on a daily basis from Dei Council due to CBB infestation.

General Manager, Steven Tumae, said despite concerted efforts with the National Agriculture, Quarantine & Inspection Authority (NAQIA) the pest continues to spread.

“It is tough dealing with cherry traders daily but they do not have a choice and comply with personnel at the checkpoint,” said Tumae.

The CIC has been running on internal funding to contain the spread whilst waiting on a committed K40 million from the Government.

Recently extension Officers from the CIC Highlands Region ceased recurrent programs this year to concentrate on containing the CBB spread.

A total of seven extension officers from Southern Highlands, Hela, Western highlands, Jiwaka, Simbu, Enga, and Eastern Highlands have closed all offices since February.

Jiwaka Extension Coordinator, Joe Alu, said efforts have been ongoing every week but there was more to do.

“A team of retired extension officers have been engaged and are training local men in Jiwaka to assist with pruning, burning of infested trees and spraying insecticide.” He said to date, a total of 150 kilograms of infested cherries have been discarded and burnt.

The Coffee Industry Corporation’s seven extension offices in the Highlands region have ceased recurrent programs for this year to concentrate on efforts towards containing coffee berry borer spread.

Extension officers from Southern Highlands, Hela, Western Highlands, Jiwaka, Simbu, Enga and Eastern Highlands have closed all offices since February to give concerted efforts to combat the deadly pest.

Joe Alu, a provincial extension coordinator, leading the containment team in Jiwaka, said efforts have been ongoing every week but there was more to do.

“A team of retired extension officers have been engaged and are training local men in Jiwaka to assist with pruning, burning of infested trees and spraying insecticide.” He said to date, a total of 150 kilograms of infested cherries have been discarded and burnt.

Meanwhile Banz farmer, Kum Michael, said she received 44 percent less income after selling 15 kilograms of cherry coffee to roadside buyers.

She said they were already seeing losses in their cherry sales and are worried they might lose everything if the pest is not contained.

“I did not realise my garden was already infected with CBB until told by the buyer and witnessing myself.”

CIC officers are currently pruning overgrown trees in her nine hectare block to allow for the mist blower team to move in swiftly and commence spraying of Chloryphirofus chemical in the garden.

CIC CEO, Charles Dambui, said farmers in areas affected are beginning to feel the pain of losing kilograms of their harvest and it was worrying.

Author: 
Cedric Patjole