Uncontrolled buai trade concerns locals

The uncontrolled buai trade in Kerema, Gulf Province, has raised concerns among the province’s elites.

Recently, more landowners have taken up the call for the Gulf Provincial Administration to control the flourishing buai trade. This follows Loop PNG’s story early this month on the buai clash between a group from Kerema and two highlands groups.

The fight resulted in numerous injuries and one alleged death.

Locals immediately took to social media, claiming the incident is a direct threat on the security of the people of Gulf Province.

Gulf leader, advocate and business entrepreneur, John Raga, told Loop PNG: “The betelnut, in our customary traditions, is used for meetings, gatherings or special occasions such as bride price, in the coastal areas. Although, with the change in our lifestyle, it has been consumed even in the highlands.

“The betelnut industry is a highly-placed local commodity but has never been given enough support from the leaders to commercialise it,” says Raga.

“It is high time the National Government commercialises the betelnut, similar to the other cash crops like coffee and copra, per kilo with its own scale.”

Basing his statement on the Consumer Price Index December quarter of 2015 (www.nso.gov.pg), Raga says the buai group recorded increases in all CPI towns.

“The largest movements were recorded in Port Moresby (14.9 percent) then followed by Lae (11.4 percent) and Alotau-Kimbe-Rabaul at 10.8 percent.

“Gulf is geographically advantaged by its shared land and sea borders.

“Betelnut and Mustard Index had increased over the last twelve months to 16.4 percent, which tells us we have a growing population that consumes a lot of betelnut and mustard.”

It is high time the Government commercialise the trade. Once we create the price, we also create the market, says the local entrepreneur.

“Then it is easy to regulate the price of one nut, or one 10kg bag with a fixed price across the scale.

“The markets will establish proper depots and selling points in each city or town. There will be depots at the main towns, with proper regulations in place so that we protect the sellers and buyers and monitor the price fluctuations.

“Of course there will be stricter regulations and policies in place, on how to consume and dispose rubbish.”

Raga suggests that to become a seller, one has to apply for a business licence with IPA.

“So you can see here, right from the start, there is a market, and everyone is part of the chain of reaction.

“We protect the industry, the sellers and buyers as well we create jobs, employment and there is plenty money floating around in the local economy.”

Author: 
Carmella Gware