Coffee Industry Corporation

This was the message from the National Agriculture, Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA) and Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC).

Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) Secretary, Dr Vele Ila’ava, said the CBB National Emergency Response Committee notes that a total of 80 hectares is infested with CBB in Jiwaka and Eastern Highlands provinces.

“The NERC further notes that out of the total 80ha of farms affected, 3 farms in Jiwaka have 100 percent infestation and 60 farms in Asaro have less than 3 percent infestation.”

General Manager Grower and Research Services, Dr Mark Kenny, told Loop PNG  that samples of the CBB pest were sent to the University of Florida almost two months ago.

He said they are yet to receive results from their international partner.

Dr Kenny added the National Agriculture and Quarantine Inspection Authority (NAQIA) haa also sent samples to their international partners and are also awaiting results.

The meeting, which began yesterday and ends today, will include stakeholders from Western Highlands and Chimbu.

The CIC will be presenting an update on the CBB incursion and measures they and other authorities will be implementing and will also allow for feedback and suggestions as a way forward for the benefit of all players in the industry.

Eastern Highlands, however, has confirmed the presence of the CBB pest in Asari and Kamaliki, as initially discovered two months ago.

In a media statement, Coffee Industry Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Charles Dambui, said the delimiting surveys will continue as part of its surveillance exercise.

“We are now into the containment stage and this will basically involve looking at short term measures to address the problem.”

Court dismisses Asylum seekers cases

The Supreme Court has entirely dismissed two case filed by 302 Asylum seekers held at the Manus Regional Processing Centre.

http://www.looppng.com/content/court-dismisses-asylum-seekers-cases

SHP Governor queries Election Manager

Southern Highlands Governor, William Powi, has condemned the reported attack on Electoral Commission officials yesterday in his Province.

Chief executive officer Mr Charles Dambui said it was a positive move to bring back CREAC into the industry. “CREAC was an effective and important committee that provided an advisory role to scrutinize all CIC projects.” Dambui welcomed and thanked all members who had accepted CIC’s invitation to be part of the forum, which was held on Wednesday, October 25, 2016 in Aiyura, Eastern Highlands Province.

“Mipela wok wanwan na i no kisim gutpela mani. Ol namel man husat nogat kofi diwai i kisim moa mani” (We work as individuals and getting less from our harvest. Middle people who have no coffee trees are benefiting from our hard work),” says Pauline Lakis.

“If we want change we must change our thinking and attitude.

“Get rid of backbiting and jealousy and return to God. Only God can change us and not any books that we read I tell you.”

Pastor Lupai said this during the signing of a Productive Partnerships in Agriculture Project (PPAP) agreement between Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC) and private firm New Britain Resources Development Ltd and Co Partner Qaqet Stewardship Council Inc. The signing ceremony took place at Sinivit LLG headquarters in Pomio District on Friday 30 June, 2016.

This was revealed by Project Manager for coffee component of Productive Partnerships in Agriculture Project (PPAP), Potaisa Hombunaka.

This provinces next inline are Southern Highlands, Enga, East Sepik, Madang, Morobe and East New Britain.

Hombunaka said the extension will increase PPAP’s coverage with 18 new partnerships involving various coffee producers, exporters, non-government organizations, Christian based organisations and church organizations to improve coffee production and quality in Papua New Guinea.

The CIC through its licensing process aims to provide standards and discipline into the conduct of industry players, ensuring acceptable standard of farms inputs, factory equipment, mills and processing plants is maintained to produce quality coffee desired by buyers consistently.

There are four different categories of licensing in CIC under the function of IR&C that is normally licensed to all operators throughout the country.

They are - Exports, Manufacturing, Processing (Wet & Dry) and a permit to build a factory.