by Fabian Hakalits – EM TV News, Port Moresby
The cost of coffee production in Papua New Guinea is higher than the income received from it.
Agriculture Ministers, Tommy Tomscoll attributed this to the need for up-skilling farmers.
Currently, a framework is being developed by the National Government through the Coffee Industry Corporation for this purpose.
The Agriculture Minister challenged coffee farmers last night during the 2015 PNG National Coffee Cupping Competition official closing, in Port Moresby.
Under the theme ‘Promoting Excellence and Market Opportunities for Coffee Growers and Farming Communities,’ Mr Tomscall says the National Government, in its policy framework, is adding value to producers.
What is required from farmers is quality, provided to consumers in the international market.
Eighteen provinces in Papua New Guinea are growing coffee and building the domestic market.
However for future survival, farmers need to replant and consider environmental factors.
Meanwhile, the Cupping Competition champions, Green Gold, were Avina Coffee Cooperative of Kainantu in Eastern Highlands Province. Avina walked away with a Toyota land cruiser.
Cuppers were assessed in five different category cups: clean culture blend, flavoured, aroma consistent and green gold.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=YMm-x-rCtOk%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
