APART from mining which is the hot topic and the talk of the day, agriculture still remains the key to improve Bougainville’s strained economy.
According to expert analysis done by major cocoa and copra buyers in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, more and more direct export is needed.
Managing Director for the Bougainville Commodity Exporters, which is the subsidiary company of the Bougainville Integrated Resources Development (BIRDC), Pais Tatevi told PNG Loop. there is no other way now but only agriculture.
“With the moratorium in place we can’t do anything in regards to mining, because there is already a law in place that says no mining.” Tatevi said.
“Our company has already started exporting cocoa over to China and we will be paying tax to the government both the National Government and the ABG,” he said.
“What more do we want when we are already seeing good returns from agriculture especially cocoa exports, we need to put this our first priority now,” Tatevi said.
“Mining will give benefits to only a small portion or group of people, but agriculture especially Cocoa and copra will create revenue and employment for everyone,” he said.
Tatevi further stated that gold and copper can only be found in certain parts of Bougainville but cocoa can be planted all over the region because of volcanic soil.
“We seriously need to reconsider agriculture right now because in a ministerial statement by our finance minister we need K1 billion to kick start business in the region, well this K1 billion needs to be pumped into agriculture,” Tatevi said.