Two groups of coffee farmers in North and South Waghi have been praised for their effort in lifting the profile of Jiwaka coffee following their success at the 2016 National Coffee Cupping competition in Lae.
The groups namely Kosem/PPAP of North Waghi, and Kosem/PPAP of South Waghi, also made history to become the first, not only in Jiwaka Province but also in the Highlands Region, to export their coffee directly overseas to South Korea fulfilling CIC’s Tree-to-Cup policy under group marketing.
The Chief Executive Officer of Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC), Charles Dambui, praised the farmers for setting a milestone achievement during the launch of their first export container of 320 green bean bags at Banz station on Thursday 9 September.
“My big congratulations to the groups to export their coffee overseas under group marketing fulfilling the Tree-to-Cup policy which aims to connect farmers with overseas market.
“This is a milestone achievement. It sends a big signal to the other participants of the National Coffee Cupping competition.
“If Jiwaka can send a container to overseas market I believe the others must set the same example.”
The CEO acknowledged the World Bank, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and GoPNG for funding PPAP coffee rehabilitation effort which in a very short time is producing some remarkable results.
The Jiwaka farmers qualified for the regional challenge to make the top 10 finalists at the national competition in September. The groups finished 4th and 6th respectively out of 114 Arabica coffee competitors.
Project Manager for CIC-PPAP, Potaisa Hombunaka, acknowledges his predecessor David Freyne and PPAP Field Technical Officer for Western Zone Steven Tevo for job well done because they were the ones who contributed significantly to delivering these outstanding results.
The group’s total price of K17, 000 from the cupping competition will be used to construct raised beds to dry coffee instead of on the ground, hence aiming for higher quality in the coming years.
The Director of Policy & Planning of DAL, John Kendiga, whilst congratulating Kosem and its Co Partners challenged the Jiwaka growers to produce more of the same quality as per the market demand.
