Markets in New Ireland benefiting from Better Roads

113
262

Farmers in Central New Ireland are enjoying increased participation in the oil palm market as a result of continuous road improvement projects on the Boluminski Highway, supported by the PNG-Australia Partnership. 

Major road maintenance works were completed in 2018 and minor works continue on the Highway, which is now fully sealed from Kavieng to Namatanai.

NIP Farmers loading fruits onto the waiting truck to be taken to the mill

Ben Aisini is a farmer from Kabin village with a three-hectare block of oil palm that yields four to five tonnes of fruit each season, which is comparatively more profitable than his copra plantation.

“I’ve seen changes in the industry and improvements that benefit us as farmers,” said Ben, who is now a member of a farmer’s association that collects and transports oil palm for members to the island’s palm oil mill.

“With the help of the association, farmers can get our fruit to the mill in good time, especially as the association has four wheel drives to help bring our harvest to the highway from our blocks,” explains Ben.

“Without this service, and the improved road, our fruit would be left in our blocks to rot.”

Isaac Laxidak from Kandis village was a transport contractor for oil palm farmers before becoming a farmer himself.  He describes the importance of getting a harvest to the mill quickly.

“When you harvest, you can only leave your cut fruit overnight or the palm oil will not meet export quality standards and the market value will drop. So the farmer’s association is a great help, providing vehicles to collect and deliver our harvest to the mill before the fruit spoils. If the fruit does not pass quality control, prices drop ¬¬– or worse – the mill rejects the fruit and farmers cannot cover their everyday living expenses.”

Jacobeth Mai is from Katedan and is benefiting from her oil palm block, planted in 2014.

“Oil palm helps with school fees. My children have finished school but I have 36 grandchildren,” she said.

“My in-laws help me to cut the fruit, because my husband has already passed away. When it falls to the ground, we collect it in a wheelbarrow and bring it to the road for the truck to pick up.” 

  • Ben Aisini
  • Isaac Laxidak
  • Jacobeth Mai

The improved road condition has made it easier for these farmers to access services, earn an income, and support their families.

“It’s easy to take the bus to Kavieng or Namatanai to get supplies from the stores there.  Our road is in good condition and that makes it easier to travel than in the past,” Ben added.

In line with the “Connect PNG” policy focus on improving priority roads, the PNG-Australia Partnership continues to support minor works along the highway including bridge maintenance, vegetation control and guard-rail installation to improve safety and reliability for road users.

Advertise here on PNGBUZZ - Contact us today

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

113 COMMENTS

  1. I don’t even know how I stopped up here, however I assumed this submit was greatI don’t understand who you might be however certainly you’re going to a famous blogger when youaren’t already Cheers!

  7. After I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any approach you can remove me from that service? Thanks!

  9. Hi, i feel that i saw you visited my blog so i came to “return the favor”.I’m attempting to find issues to improve my site!I guess its adequate to use some of your ideas!!

  11. Today, while I was at work, my sister stole my iPad and tested to see if it can survive a thirty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  12. An fascinating dialogue is price comment. I feel that it’s best to write extra on this matter, it may not be a taboo subject but typically individuals are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  13. Greetings! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I genuinely enjoy reading your blog posts. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the same subjects? Thanks!

  15. I am not sure where you’re getting your information, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent information I was looking for this information for my mission.

  17. Usually I do not read post on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do so! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thank you, very great post.

  18. I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this hike.

  26. Good info and right to the point. I don’t know if this is in fact the best place to ask but do you people have any thoughts on where to hire some professional writers? Thanks in advance

  45. I’m not sure where you are getting your information, but good topic.I needs to spend some time learning much more orunderstanding more. Thanks for magnificent info I was looking for this info for my mission.

  48. Having read this I thought it was rather informative.I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this information together.I once again find myself spending a lot of timeboth reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!

  68. A motivating discussion is definitely worth comment. I think that you should publish more on this subject matter, it may not be a taboo matter but usually folks don’t discuss such subjects. To the next! Best wishes!!

  100. Very efficiently written post. It will be beneficial to anybody who employess it, including myself. Keep doing what you are doing – looking forward to more posts.

  102. How long have you lived here? warfarin goodrx Aside from The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry, and Kate’s immediate family, speculation is rife as to who has received a golden ticket.

  103. Thanks for some other fantastic article. The place else mayanyone get that kind of info in such an ideal method of writing?I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I’m on the look for such info.

  107. Heya just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading correctly.I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue.I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers andboth show the same results.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here