Coffee prices up by 20% in June

By AUGUSTINE DOMINIC of CIC

Coffee price in PNG has increased by 20% this month (June 2010) compared to the same period in the previous year.

Chief executive officer of the Coffee Industry Corporation Navi Anis said the increase was due to low production owing to adverse weather conditions in competing coffee-producing countries, especially in Central America and Columbia, thus increasing market demand and shifting coffee buyer focus to PNG and other Asia Pacific countries.

 Coffee Industry Corporation CEO Navi Anis

He said from the current trend of the world market supply and demand, the prediction was that the price may continue to be maintained or improve for the next six months but that depended on the response from the affected producing countries to meet the world market demand.

Anis said, however, that there had been generally a steady increase in the coffee price over the last 10 years since 2001 and 2002.

He said CIC had been encouraging farmers to continue maintaining their bond with the coffee tree and those who have heeded to CIC’s advice were now capitalising on the high coffee prices.

“The common and consistent message from CIC to the major coffee growing areas of PNG, is that there is no other major alternative but to maintain constant link with coffee and those who have not, unfortunately could be missing out, as their chance is limited,” Anis said.

He said CIC could not stop farmers from switching from coffee to vegetable cultivation during off coffee season periods, however, considering various factors including perishability and market availability of vegetables, there were more risks involved with vegetables than coffee.

Anis further encouraged farmers to be in organised groups to reap maximum benefits from coffee projects and other opportunities such as the increase in coffee price currently being experienced throughout the country.

Factories around PNG were purchasing green bean Arabica Coffee at an average price for A grade at K8.99, X grade at K8.43, PSC-X at K7.83, and Y1 grade at K7.62in June 2010.

In the same month last year factories were buying at an average lower price per kilogram for K7.73, K7.12, K6.72, and K6.51respectively for each grade.

The parchment Arabica coffee was bought between the range of K4.50 to K4.80 per kilogram in major coffee-growing provinces for Class One and Class Two was bought at K2.90 to K4.60.

In the same period last year, Class One was bought at the range of K2.80 to K4.20 per kilogram and Class Two was bought at a range of K2.50 to K4.00.

CIC’s acting manager economics Shane Kewa supported Mr. Anis and said the increase in coffee price was due to bad weather conditions in major world coffee-supplying countries in South America, the 20% drop in Robusta production in Vietnam and the 4.7% drop in the European stockpile.

Coffee berry borer a serious threat to Papua New Guinea coffee industry

By MALUM NALU

The Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC) has placed a temporary moratorium on the distribution of coffee seeds in the Papua New Guinea/Indonesian border areas in a move to detect the presence of the dreaded coffee berry borer.

Adult coffee berry borer  

Considered as the most-dangerous insect, which could decimate PNG’s lucrative multi-million kina coffee industry that supports the livelihood of thousands of people in the country, the coffee berry borer is known for reducing coffee production in many countries.

It is, according to CIC, the “most serious pest of coffee affecting production in most countries. It is not present in PNG. The government is supporting an initiative from the CIC to prevent it from entering the country. Preventative action programmes include awareness and literacy, monitoring and surveillance, emergency response planning and forging partnerships with international research institutions”.

 Coffee berry borer larvae inside a coffee berry

 Coffee berry borer is not in PNG yet, however, CIC and National Agricultural Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA) are taking no chances with it already having a stranglehold on Indonesia.

This is to prevent this insidious pest from entering PNG via Indonesia

Acting general manager for CIC’s Aiyura-based research and grower services division (RGSD), Dr Mark Kenny, placed the ban in April this year and it is still being enforced.

“The moratorium is effective until a delimiting survey currently carried out by CIC and NAQIA in the Telefomin district is completed to establish if the coffee berry borer is present at the PNG side of the border,” he said.

Dr Kenny stressed that a review of the moratorium would be made depending on the outcome of the survey report.

It is also understood from technical persons in CIC and NAQIA, who are carrying out the survey,  that coffee from Telefomin and Vanimo-Green districts has been restricted from entering Mt  Hagen,  Wewak or Vanimo until major coffee rehabilitation work is carried out in these districts.

This is due to the neglect of coffee gardens in the border areas for the past 15 years as a result of the high cost of freighting the coffee to the nearest market.

The coffee berry borer is an insect that feeds on the coffee berry and is considered as seriously dangerous to the coffee industry compared to other coffee pests which feed on the coffee tree and leaves.

 Adult coffee berry borer entering green bean.-Pictures courtesy of CIC

Papua New Guinea declares blackout on controversial law

From SUSUVE LAUMAEA

 

The declaration by attorney general Ano Pala is simply unconstitutional and has no "legs" to stand on.

It is a deliberate tactic to scare off the media and to prevent public debate on a piece of legislation that is draconian, harsh and oppressive.

Declaration by AG Ano Pala is unconstitutional

Justice minister warns media against reporting

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Radio New Zealand International, June 28, 2010) – A senior reporter at Papua New Guinea’s Post-Courier newspaper says a government edict banning discussion on the amendment to the Environmental Law Act will not stop their coverage of the controversial issue.

The unprecedented edict, from the Justice Minister and Attorney General Ano Pala, says there is to be no more discussion, comment or reference in the media to the recent amendment.

He warns that media coverage of it runs the risk of being in contempt of Supreme Court proceedings in which Madang landowners are challenging a proposed marine tailings system for Ramu nickel mine.

The Post-Courier’s chief court reporter, Todagia Kelola, says they will ignore the edict if need be.

"We are still trying to understand if it’s a good piece of legislation or a bad good piece of legislation. When these guys come out to comment on it, there is nothing preventing us from discussing it. The new Attorney General, he doesn’t have any power to direct the media nor the police or any other constitutional body on making a statement on this issue."

Advice on Governor General's election flawed

Today’s editorial from The National, Papua New Guinea’s No. 1 daily newspaper

THE legal advice provided to the prime minister on the appointment of the governor-general is seriously flawed.
The actions of Parliament in the recent controversial re-appointment of the governor-general were contrary to the explicit directions provided by the Constitution.
The appointment of Grand Chief Sir Paulias Matane for a second term as governor-general, therefore, cannot be held to be legal.
The legal advice or, as it turned out, the legal position adopted by the government and Parliament, is a clear misreading of section 87 of the Constitution and should not stand any serious contest of it in a court of law.
The part of the Constitution cited as the basis for the advice is section 87(5).
Clearly, and in plain English, that entire section deals only with “qualifications for appointment” to the post of governor-general.
It makes no mention of the process for the “appointment of the GG” which is, again, very clearly spelled out in the following section.
Section 88 of the Constitution provides for “appointment to office” of the governor-general.
The proper and legal process for “appointment to the office of governor-general” is via an “exhaustive secret ballot” in accordance with an Organic Law.
The relevant part of section 88(2) reads: “A decision of the Parliament to nominate a person for appointment as governor-general shall be made by a simple majority vote, in an exhaustive secret ballot conducted in accordance with an Organic Law.
An examination of the said Organic Law on “nomination of the governor-general” makes it clear that two things must happen:  First, there must be an exhaustive secret ballot –  even in the event where there is only one candidate for the post.
And, two, following such an exhaustive secret ballot, Parliament’s choice of a new governor-general must be declared by a simple majority.
These did not happen last Friday, June 25.
There was no secret ballot.
There was, however, an open ballot.
The open ballot was itself not illegal. This open ballot is provided for under section 87(5) of the Constitution to determine the eligibility of any incumbent governor-general, in this instance, Sir Paulias, to serve a second term in office.
The relevant part reads: “(5) No person is eligible for appointment as governor-general more than once unless the Parliament, by a two-third absolute majority vote, approves appointment for a second term, but no person is eligible for appointment for a third term.” Reading the above statement on its own would make it appear as if Parliament’s action of last Friday not to conduct a secret ballot is in order. That was what the prime minister’s legal counsel asserted was the proper reading of that sub-section.
But, when you read sub-section (5) along with, or in the context of, the heading of section (87), as it should be read, an entirely different proposition unfolds.
The law then reads: “Section 87: QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT . . . (5) No person is eligible for appointment as governor-general more than once unless the Parliament, by two-thirds absolute majority vote, approves appointment for a second term . . .”
It becomes abundantly clear here that the open ballot of last Friday was actually the beginning of the process, and, not the final outcome.
Via that open ballot, Parliament registered beyond any reasonable doubt, by a vote of 84-13, that Sir Paulias was qualified and eligible for appointment to serve a second term as governor-general.
Parliament only needed then to move on to the actual appointment process via “an exhaustive secret ballot”. That never happened.
The Organic Law on the “nomination of the governor-general” provides guidelines on how the exhaustive secret ballot ought to be carried out. There are no other procedures stipulated in the Constitution, and in the Organic Law, by which a governor-general can be appointed except via an exhaustive secret ballot.
Sir Paulias was not the only candidate.
In this case, there were three other contenders – former auditor-general Sir Makena Geno, a former contender for the post Sir Pato Kakaraya and former Enga deputy premier Ronald Rimbao.
The Organic Law stipulates that the speaker will announce all candidates and distribute ballot papers for Members of Parliament to write their choices. The candidate with the least number of votes would be dropped and the process would be repeated until only one emerges as Parliament’s choice.
Last Friday, there would need to have been three secret ballots after which the winner would have been declared.
It is clear that Sir Paulias, as the government’s candidate, had the biggest support and had it been subjected to the secret ballot, he would have emerged the eventual winner.
The fact that this process was thwarted denied the other three contenders their right to due process, justice and fair play by the highest law-making authority in the country – Parliament itself.
This is disgraceful.
The decision by Parliament, following only the open (eligibility) ballot, that Sir Paulias is duly appointed as governor-general of Papua New Guinea for a second term cannot be held to have been legally conducted.
It has to be void and of no effect.
Section 87(5), which has been relied upon as the basis for that decision, has been wrongly interpreted and the government wrongly advised. How such an advice could have been concocted for the Head of Government is mischievous, to say the least, and has made a mockery of the democratic and parliamentary processes and procedures.
Sir Paulias is himself a stickler for the law and all things proper.
We note that he has not taken the Oath of Allegiance or made the Declaration of Loyalty and Declaration Office before the chief justice as he is compelled to do by section 90 of the Constitution. He cannot take office or perform duties until this compulsory requirement is met.
It would only be proper if he were to refuse to do so until due process has been followed and the law complied with to the letter.
Parliament should be recalled so that a governor-general can properly be appointed in accordance with the law.
Of Sir Paulias’ re-appointment, we have little doubt.
Of Parliament’s conduct in this specific instance, and the kind of professional advisers the government keeps, we are very much in doubt.

 

UNESCO supports Pacific History Conference at University of Goroka

Secretary General of UNESCO Yori Yei (left) presenting K5, 000 to acting Vice Chancellor Dr Jeyarathan with Pacific History Conference organising committee chairman Dr Kari and Paul Peter,  manager for culture at UNESCO,  looking on.

 By KATE GUNN of UOG

On Tuesday June 29, 2010, UNESCO country office honoured its commitment to history and cultural studies in Papua New Guinea by supporting Pacific history. 

Secretary General of UNESCO in Papua New Guinea Yori Yei travelled to the University of Goroka to present in person K5, 000 to the acting Vice Chancellor Dr P Jeyarathan.

  The donation is to assist the university with its fundraising efforts for the Pacific History Conference to be held at UOG in September of this year. 

After attending the National Dance Symposium held at UOG in April of this year, Yei was asked if UNESCO could support the up-and-coming Pacific History Conference.

 He stated that: “This is an important conference and UNESCO is happy to support it as it is in line with the education and culture policies of UNESCO.”

 Yei said UNESCO was supporting other institutions around PNG in an ongoing programme focusing on partnerships.

 “UNESCO recognises the step UOG is taking with Pacific history as part of cultural studies and is happy to partner with the University of Goroka for the conference,” he said.

Dr Jeyarathan sincerely thanked Yei for UNESCO’s contribution to the conference and support to UOG, and formally invited representatives from the organisation to attend the Pacific History Conference in September. 

Chair of the conference organising committee Dr Sam Kari was also on hand to witness the donation, and thanked Yei for UNESCO’s donation and agreed it was an important step in the partnership for the two organisations.

The Pacific History Conference will take place from Sept 12-16, 2010 at UOG and is co-hosted by the Pacific History Association.

 The theme of the conference is: Pacific at the Crossroads – reflecting the past, adjusting the present and directing the future.

For further information or to donate/support the conference please contact Dr Sam Kari on (675) 5311842 or karis@uog.ac.pg or Bomai Witne on (675) 5311895 or witneb@uog.ac.pg

When two tribes go to war

Warring tribesmen in Komo, Southern Highlands, last weekend came together for a peace ceremony. Many attended brandishing all types of guns, not to make war but peace as they stockpiled them at the ceremonial ground. Witnessing all these taking place was Komo LLG president Thomas Potape, pictured removing a single-shot firearm from a warrior during the peace ceremony. More than 40 pigs were slaughtered and K13, 000 given to both sides to end fighting in the area.-Picture courtesy of The National.

 

 

Drunks attack MAF flight

Mission Aviation cancels all runs into remote Karimui

 

CHIMBU’S Karimui has been cut off from the rest of the world following an attack and robbery by four drunken men in the district’s airstrip last Friday, The National reports.

The highly intoxicated knife-wielding men attacked the pilot and his passengers after the MAF Twin Otter landed on the remote Karimui airstrip.

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), the only third-level airliner operating in Karimui, has suspended its operations indefinitely following the attack.

Passenger and Karimui High School and Lutheran church strongman Isaiah Kamun Yalbai said he tried to stop the drunken assailants from attacking the pilot and was slashed with bush knives.

He turned up at The National office in Goroka yesterday morning to recall his ordeal at the hands of the drunkards.

“I returned from Goroka carrying K2, 000 worth of items, including 300 Bibles, 50 litres of diesel and other items to stage an inter-church denomination gathering to pray for Karimui.

“We believed the district may have been cursed in terms of efficient flow of basic services and the churches, led by Lutheran church, are organising the gathering themed ‘breaking generation of curse proclaiming prosperity and growth’ to be staged from July 5-9,” he said.

“But, we were attacked soon after the plane landed and while we were unloading the cargo. The diesel container was slashed and the diesel spilled and the cargo, including the Bibles, was stolen.

“One of the assailants whom I recognised attacked and when I retaliated, the other armed men slashed me from behind.

“I was cut on the back of my head. Another slashed my hands and arm and I collapsed.

“The pilot rushed up to apply first aid but I fainted due to heavy loss of blood,” he said.

He said: “The pilot and my wife then carried me back into the plane, flew to Goroka and admitted me to the Goroka Base Hospital.”

Yalbai identified two of the assailants-cum-robbers as elementary school teachers.

He said 12 other passengers, who also sustained injuries in the attack, were still in Karimui with no access to medical treatment.

“The assailants are believed to have been frustrated by district officials who failed to settle outstanding payments for work done.

“The police must step up its manpower in Chimbu because law and order is getting out of control. Infants and young girls are being abused as youths get intoxicated by homebrew and marijuana,” he said.

“Health services and schools are closed; Karimui High School is closed,” he added.

Acting provincial police commander Albert Korin could not be reached for comments yesterday as several calls went unanswered.

The MAF office in Goroka yesterday confirmed the indefinite suspension of flights into and out of Karimui until the people of Karimui guaranteed the safety of passengers, pilots and crew.

The MAF source also said it was up to the Karimui community to resolve the matter with the injured and allow law and order to return and guarantee safety before flights could resume.

“For now, flights into Karimui are suspended indefinitely,” the source told The National.

 

 

Government, NARI set for drought

NATIONAL Planning and Monitoring Minister Paul Tiensten said the government is working closely with the National Agriculture and Research Institute (NARI) in preparing for next year’s predicted drought, The National reports.

Scientists warned of the drought during the launch of the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) drought preparedness plan in Lae earlier this year.

They predicted that a severe drought would hit PNG in 2011 and 2012 and PNG was ill-prepared for it.

However, Tiensten said the government had taken the warnings seriously and was working on a plan with NARI to prepare for the drought.

“Reports on the plan was nearing completion and would be made available once they are released,” Tiensten said.

He was responding to questions raised in Parliament last week by Morobe Governor Luther Wenge, who had asked what actions under the plan the government would take in addressing the shortage of food and water likely to be faced by the people as a result of the drought.

With the rising sea level and temperatures at our doorstep, due to global warming, scientists have warned that this drought will be more severe than the last one and it is not known how long it will last.

The last drought experienced in PNG was in 1997.

NARI said yesterday that drought preparation was a major priority and that specific considerations had been given to addressing food security and other basic needs including water in areas where this was lacking.

A NARI spokesperson said they were also looking at more appropriate system for managing emergency food distribution including food distributing centres.

 

 

Momis rejects BRDC model

AUTONOMOUS Region of Bougainville President John Momis will order a full investigation into the deal with foreign firm Invincible that led to the establishment of the Bougainville Investment Corporation (formerly Bougainville Resource Development Corporation), The National reports.

Momis said yesterday that the deal was not only illegal but not practical for any government to attempt to make a contract that purports to tie the government’s hands as to future policy.

The president said he was concerned about these matters which strike at the core of Bougainville’s efforts to revitalise and grow the economy.

He said he would seek his cabinet’s approval to launch a full-scale review of this deal and related matters.

Momis said in his inaugural speech that corruption would find zero tolerance in his government.

He warned that corrupt ministers, elected members, officials and investors could expect to face criminal prosecutions.

He said there were many unanswered questions and issues relating to the BRDC and Invincible deal, and the review or investigations would put these questions to rest.

After taking office two weeks ago, and studying documents presented to him concerning the development agreement between the ABG and the BRDC, Momis said he was not satisfied that the arrangement was in the best interest of the people of Bougainville.

He said the agreement contravened significant provisions of the Bougainville constitution and parts of the Bougainville peace agreement and the PNG Constitution.

He said, in essence, the agreement and its corresponding legislation bind the hand of the Bougainville government when it needed to urgently grow the economy and move towards fiscal self-reliance.

Momis said based on the documents provided to him, it seemed that BRDC was a company owned by four other companies or entities, namely:

1. AROB Equities Limited;

2. Bougainville Veterans Holdings;

3. Bougainville Pioneers Corporation Ltd; and

4. Invincible.

He said the agreement, in its substantive clauses, deal with exploration for and exploitation of mineral resources covering the whole of Bougainville.

The agreement also called for investments in other areas of economic activities including a gold melt assay facility, bio-diesel, fishing, cattle production and other proposals including a tourism project.

He said the people of Bougainville would be kept informed of the progress of the review of this deal. 

Come support our Kids at the Digicel Urban Bounce

Dear All,

Digicel Urban Bounce is back at the Port Moresby Country Club this time. They have a lovely grassy field at the back which is where we've setup for the next 4 weeks. Entry for Heats is FREE and Finals will have a gate fee.

So come along with the whole family for some artistic, acrobatic, urban bouncing.

* Heat 1 & 2 - Sunday, 4th July
* Heat 3 & 4 - Sunday, 11th July
* Semi Finals - Sunday, 25th July
* Grand Final - Sunday, 1st August

Time: 12pm to 4pm.
Food & Drinks sold at the Venue.

Regards,

Emmanuel Narokobi

RokRok Music

www.rokrokmusic.com

FPDA collaborates with other players on seed potato project

 Seed potato mini tubers inside the aphid screen houses in Tambul

By KIAGI NEMA of FPDA 

Fresh Produce Development Agency is partnering with other related organisations in the country to work on the seed potato project.

The FPDA seed potato project has been concentrating its efforts in the highlands provinces, specifically Western Highlands and Eastern Highlands to make available adequate quantities of potato tubers that are certified for planting as seeds.

All this effort is done in partnership with the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI), which has the expertise in micro‐propagation as well as land for field multiplication.

The other partners include CARE International PNG and Alele Fresh produce,

FPDA entered into an agreement where NARI produces and supplies potato plantlets in a tissue culture laboratory located at Aiyura in the Eastern Highlands.

 

 Plantlets inside containers, ready to be taken out and moved into trays 

FPDA has been receiving 12, 000 plantlets a month from NARI since 2009.

This is following the signing of a new agreement in June 2009 between FPDA and NARI.

The increase in plantlets follows the construction of 12 new screen houses in Tambul, Western Highlands,  which now brings the total number of screen houses to 24.

 In 2004 NARI had an initial agreement with FPDA to supply 2, 000 plantlets per month.

In 2007, FPDA signed a new agreement with NARI for 6,000 plantlets per month due to the renovation of three old screen houses and construction of nine new screen houses.

Plantlets are transported by road to Tambul in the WHP and planted in FPDA’s aphid proof screen houses in trays using sterilised soil.

These plants, once mature, are harvested and the tubers planted out in the field on-station at Tambul.

This partnership is currently going on.

Seeds harvested from Tambul are sold to private sector seed growers.

These growers are divided into two categories of growers and are called mother and certified seed growers.

 Mother seed growers receive generation 1 and 2 seeds and produce generation 2 and 3 seeds.

These are inspected and sold to certified seed growers who produce generation 3 and 4 seeds that are sold to ware growers.

 Only generation 4 seed is sold out for production of ware potatoes.

Meanwhile, in Eastern Highlands, the project also entered into partnership agreement with Care International PNG to implement training for potato production as seed crops.

 Care International PNG is a non-government organisation and has programmes to assist people in the most-disadvantaged areas of PNG.

This agreement was for FPDA seed potato project to provide seeds and technical expertise to three groups of people who have identified their need for income through production of potatoes.

These groups are located at Akuna, Omaura and Sasaura at the back of Yonki dam in Eastern Highlands.

After the initial training and growing of crops by the groups, interest has grown for the crop and another follow-up request was made by the groups through Care international.

This partnership is working very well as resources and expertise is shared for a common goal, and that is to contribute to elevating the lives of the people in disadvantaged areas in PNG.

The project has also entered into agreement with Alele Farm Fresh Produce to provide inspection and certification for its crop planted in its aphid proof screen house for production of potato mini‐tubers for its farmers.

This partnership worked well and all its crops and harvested tubers were physically inspected and certified as clean.

This partnership is on a crop-by-crop basis.

Manus island community promoting self-help

Story and pictures by SOLDIER BURUKA of DAL

The people of M’buke Island in Manus province have been praised for their efforts in initiating several self-help projects.

 M’buke islanders on their traditional outrigger canoes welcome the visitors to the launching

 Director for New Guinea Islands region with the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, Tom Peni, said the M’buke community had shown that hard work, commitment and patience would bring positive results.

 DAL director for NGI, Tom Peni, and other visitors arriving to a typical Manus style welcome on M’buke island

 He commended the villagers for their initiative in establishing a number of integrated self-help projects to bring development to the area and added that it should be regarded as a model for other disadvantaged communities in the province.

 Peni was speaking during an official launching at M’buke last week attended by representatives of various agencies including DAL, National Agriculture Research Institute, PNG Sustainable Development Program, World Wide Foundation and others. M’buke Island, comprising 13 atolls with a population of around 1, 000 and about 98 km from Lorengau town on the mainland, has survived with resilience from natural and environmental hardship with limited government assistance.

 The community through the M’buke Island Peoples Association has secured its own funding to establish or initiate projects on health, food security, conservation, culture and education.

Their commitment has inspired various agencies, private sector, non-government organisations, individuals and others to provide assistance in one way or another.

 DAL food security director Brown Konabe, on behalf of the DAL Secretary Anton Benjamin, launched a solar water pump system funded at a cost of K30, 000, whilst DAL Mamose region director Masayan Moat launched the coconut replanting programme. Other events included the launching of an improved agricultural technologies project implemented by NARI with funding support from PNGSDP, aid post, double classrooms, two outrigger canoes and a scholarship fund.

 In his address, Peni said the M’buke group of islands situated in the south coast of Manus was vulnerable to the effects of land degradation, declining crop yields and food shortages.

Their main livelihoods are mostly based on fishing and trading.

However, the people have mobilised themselves through the association to raise their own funds and initiate development projects.

A lot of effort has been made by the M’buke community living and working in Port Moresby and elsewhere to raise funds.

Peni commended the community for the outstanding work so far and also involving other stakeholders.

This is a classic example of commitment by individuals and groups to commence projects and seek assistance afterwards.

He said others should look at the M’buke concept and introduce it into their communities. Peni said the association objectives were also in line with the government’s policies and strategies and demonstrated how the public-private partnership could work to achieve long-term and sustainable livelihood.

He assured the community that DAL would work closely with the provincial administration to provide technical assistance to support agriculture initiatives.

 Peni said the solar water pump would help in providing water for drinking, which was a major problem faced by island communities.

He urged the community to look after the facilities.

On the coconut replanting, Peni said coconut was a vital commodity and needed to be promoted vigorously as a cash crop and source of food.

He said the M’buke community had taken the lead to replant and rehabilitate senile coconut trees and urged relevant agencies including Kokonas Indastri Koporesen to support the initiatives.

 Village chief Luke Polangou described the launching of not only one but several projects as a wonderful and historical occasion and praised the M’buke community in Manus and Port Moresby for their support and commitment.

He said the efforts were a result of working in partnership to achieve sustainable livelihood for the people.

 He called on relevant agencies to consider the self-help initiatives undertaken by the M’buke community and provide more support.

 One of the guests who travelled from Port Moresby was Dr Neil Stronach, representative of WWF Western Melanesia Programme based in Papua New Guinea, and officiated in the launching of two outrigger canoes; spoke on the need to make wise decisions regarding conservation and protection of the environment.

He urged the people to use their natural resources wisely for the sake of their future generation.

 Dr Stronach and other officials from DAL were taken to a small group of islands known as Purdy islands where the community is planning to make them wildlife protected area due to its rich marine life.

DAL also plans to rehabilitate rundown coconut trees on one of the islands.

Agricultural scientist recognised for long service

Dr John Moxon


By SENIORL ANZU of NARI

A prominent agricultural scientist who has spent his entire professional life in Papua New Guinea for over three decades has been recognised  for his contributions towards agricultural development in the country.

He is Dr John Edwin Moxon, a senior National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) scientist based at Keravat at the Lowlands Agricultural Experiment Station (LAES).

 Dr John  Moxon receives a gift from a staff member for his long service to LAES Keravat during its 80th anniversary in 2008

Dr Moxon was among those listed on Queen’s Birthday award list last month.

 He will be awarded the Commander of British Empire (CBE) for services to agriculture and to NARI in particular.

The award will be conveyed on July 12.

Dr Moxon is a household name in the Gazelle Peninsula and Rabaul areas of East New Britain. Currently, he is the man behind the development of PNG’s galip nut industry.

This is a new innovation in the making, promising to become a lucrative revenue and income earner for Papua New Guineans for many years to come once the industry gets into full swing. Galip is valued at around US$300 million industry at the world market and grows only in PNG, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.  

Dr Moxon, 58, from Yorkshire, England, first arrived in the country in 1980 as a young agriculturalist straight after his PhD in Entomology from the Royal Holloway College, University of London.

Upon recruitment by the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, his first posting was in East New Britain at LAES, a place he has lived and worked ever since.

 He started as an entomologist, dealing with pests and diseases of a range of food and tree crops. He led a team of scientists, both expatriates and nationals, in various capacities, including as LAES team leader 1986-1993 with major responsibilities in scientific and administrative management of the farming systems research programme for the wet lowlands of PNG. 

From 1993 to 2000, Dr Moxon worked with the PNG Cocoa and Coconut Research Institute (now PNG Cocoa Coconut Institute) as its chief executive officer.

His work on cocoa resulted in scientific development and commercial release of the first hybrid cocoa clones for PNG now commercially achieving four tonnes dry bean cocoa per hectare, arguably amongst the best-available in the world.

After PNGCCI, Dr Moxon returned to LAES in 2000, this time under NARI as the research programme leader, a job he has held to this date, taking leadership in scientific research for development, focusing on food and cash crop research for food security and income generation for the wet lowlands areas of PNG.

He continues to contribute to the cocoa industry, especially towards the cocoa pod borer pest through strategic management and crop diversification programs.

In 1993, Dr Moxon received a certificate of service from the Government of PNG.

He is married to Wendy from Nonga village in East New Britain province and has three children.