In a statement sent to EMTV NEWS, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Benny Allen confirmed the Coffee Berry Borer (CBB) had been detected in the Eastern Highlands and Jiwaka provinces was closely related to similar species found in Indonesia and New Caledonia.
Minister Allen announced that due to the seriousness of the issue, all stakeholders must observe biosecurity laws in consultation with NAQIA.
He said the presence of the CBB is very dangerous and will put economic and social pressure on coffee farming communities that solely depend on the multi-million kina industry.
Furthermore the Minister ordered for coffee trees infected to be destroyed with unaffected trees within a kilometre radius to be destroyed as well.
He said all stakeholders must work together to safeguard the coffee industry.
