PNG PALM OIL GROWERS NET $6.2 MILLION IN 2003 Submitted by admin on Wed, 08/04/2004 - 00:00
By Yehiura Hriehwazi
PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (The National, Aug. 3) - About 6,000 oil palm growers in Papua New Guinea received almost K20 million (US$6.2 million) for their produce last year, according to figures just released.
Popondetta Oil Palm Growers Association (POPGA) chairman Clement Kerahu told The National over the weekend that the money was paid by Higaturu Oil Palm Company to growers, but he believed that the figure could be much higher if roads and infrastructure into oil palm growing areas were improved.
He said transport and cartage services of fruits also needed improvement and complained bitterly about the government s lack of interest in helping the growers.