Downstream processing of coconut to go ahead

From (L-R) Secretary for Department of Agriculture and Livestock, Dr. Sergie Bang, Executive Director of the ICC Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw and Kokonas Indastri Koperesen [KIK] Managing Director Alan Aku during the open day of the conference (NBC News)

Papua New Guinea is hosting 21 member countries of the International Coconut Community [ICC] for a week-long conference in Port Moresby which started today.

At the opening ceremony, more than 300 coconut farmers showcased their products to international friends and delegates at the Sir John Guise stadium.

This conference unfolds PNG's untapped potential in venturing into downstream processing with the launching of the total number of coconut trees in the country and creating a clear pathway for downstream processing.

The Kokonas Indastri Koperesen [KIK] Managing Director Alan Aku says 60 million coconut trees are occupying up to 96 hectares of land in the coconut-growing provinces in the country.

"We are now into discussions with the East New Britain [ENB] Provincial Government and Cooperative Societies for downstream processing. We also identified a potential investor who will partner with us to set up a processing facility," Mr. Aku said.

Coconut farmer displaying the products in their booths (NBC News)

Dr Sergie Bang of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock says the National Government's Medium Term Development Plan IV requires the various sub-sectors under the Agriculture Department to increase the revenue collection up to K30 million in the next 10 years.

"We are looking forward to double or triple the number of coconut trees in the next 10 year [increase from 60 million to almost 180 million coconut trees]. That also includes increasing the size of land.

"Currently coconut generates K4.5 million annually and with the anticipated plan next five to ten years will increase the quantity to meet government's expectations which will increase the revenue from K4.5 million to K30 million in revenue collection," Dr. Bang said.

Meanwhile the Executive Director of the ICC Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw said the member countries are looking forward to working in collaboration to meet the demand.

"We must help each other to fully utilize every part of the coconut, minimizing waste and maximizing its value.

"Let's work together to promote coconut's invaluable products and address future challenges," Dr. Alouw said.