Kikori Sets Sight On Cocoa

Landowners in Kikori, Gulf province, are set to embark on a major initiative aimed at transforming their area into a major cocoa producing hub in the Gulf region.

The Omati Cocoa Project, an initiative of Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) and its subsidiary Gas Resources Pipeline Ltd, received the endorsement of the Cocoa Board of PNG last week to begin distributing seedlings for planting.

Two certificates were presented to G R Pipeline Director Mr Wauro Oumabe by PNGCB representatives, certifying that the bud wood garden and the nursery at Omati met all the requirements for cocoa seedling cultivation and distribution.

Mr Oumabe said his people have been working on the bud wood garden and nursery for the last three years, testing up to 18 varieties of cocoa to be grown there.

He said he was excited that the PNGCB has given the green light for planting to go ahead.

Oumabe represents the Kikori tribes who live along the corridor of the PNG LNG Project pipeline. They are identified as segment 7 pipeline landowners and receive royalty and equity benefits from the PNG LNG project.

He said it has always been his desire to invest the benefits received from the PNG LNG Project into a venture more sustainable and long term that would impact the wider community.

“Our oil and gas resources will eventually deplete. What comes next? Where will landowners turn? We must invest in sustainable alternatives. We have decided to invest in agriculture. We are excited about these cocoa projects, and its prospects.”

He said since the start of work on the bud wood garden and nursery at Omati, the interest to grow cocoa has grown, with request for seedlings coming from Southern Highlands, Baimuru and Kerema.

“We will start in the pipeline corridor area of Omati, Kerewo, Kibiri, Rumu and Barikewa. But there is growing interest (for cocoa) from people in Turama, Gorobe, Baimuru and Ihu. Even Kerema LLG and people in Erave and Kutubu (Southern Highlands) have requested us to supply seedlings.”

Mr Oumabe said people have received training on planting and were now clearing their land and receiving seedlings to grow cocoa in their plots.

MRDC Managing Director Mr Augustine Mano commended Director Wauro for getting the cocoa project off the ground.