Port Moresby, 5 March 2025 — Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has praised the strong performance of Papua New Guinea’s Coffee, Livestock, and Oil Palm ministries in 2024, saying their targeted efforts are fueling rural development and contributing significantly to the country’s economic growth.
The Prime Minister delivered the commendation following a high-level briefing on Tuesday, 4 March 2025, with Agriculture Minister Hon. John Boito, Coffee Minister Hon. William Bando, Livestock Minister Hon. Sekie Agisa, Oil Palm Minister Hon. Francis Maneke, and agency heads from each sector.
Marape noted that the creation of standalone ministries for coffee, livestock, and oil palm following the 2022 National General Election had paid off, with each sector showing clear progress in project delivery, farmer support, and export development.
Coffee Sector Shows Remarkable Growth
Under the guidance of the Coffee Ministry and the Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC), 2024 saw a boost in production and exports:
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K25 million invested to rehabilitate seven large-scale coffee plantations;
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Over 2.5 million seedlings planted under the National Coffee Development Programme;
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87 coffee grower groups supported, enabling new exports to Dubai, South Korea, and Australia;
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Key infrastructure including 20 kilometres of commodity roads and several bridges constructed;
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Launch of the Green Gold Card system—an innovative digital payment platform ensuring farmers receive direct price support.
Prime Minister Marape also acknowledged the advancement of key policy reforms, including the National Coffee Policy and the upcoming Coffee Industry Act 2024, which aim to modernise the regulatory framework.
Livestock Sector Makes Major Strides
The Livestock Development Corporation (LDC) and the Ministry of Livestock were commended for revitalising the national meat industry:
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Rehabilitation of five cattle ranches and two abattoirs;
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Restocking of over 1,700 head of cattle across various regions;
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Support for honeybee farming, especially in Eastern Highlands, Chimbu, Jiwaka, Western Highlands, and Enga provinces;
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Strengthened international partnerships to boost domestic meat supply and reduce reliance on imports.
Marape said these efforts align with the government’s focus on food security and import replacement, and stressed continued support for smallholder farmers and livestock SMEs.
Oil Palm Sector Drives Infrastructure and Value-Added Growth
The Oil Palm Industry Corporation (OPIC), under the Ministry of Oil Palm, achieved significant milestones in 2024, contributing to the government’s ambitious goal to double oil palm production to 1.3 million tonnes by 2027:
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Expansion of smallholder support programmes, including replanting initiatives;
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200km of access roads upgraded to improve transport for oil palm growers;
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Establishment of downstream processing hubs to promote value-added exports;
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Approval of the National Oil Palm Policy by the National Executive Council and steps toward forming a National Oil Palm Authority.
The Prime Minister lauded Minister Maneke and OPIC for their leadership in maintaining the industry’s role as one of PNG’s top non-mineral export earners, valued at K5.3 billion annually.
Agriculture to Remain a Budget Priority
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed that agriculture will remain a key budgetary priority in 2025, stating that these sectors are vital for empowering rural communities, strengthening food systems, and driving inclusive growth.
“Since 2022, we have elevated agriculture through dedicated ministries. These results prove that we are making the right investments, backing our farmers, and growing the economy in real terms,” Marape said.
He urged the ministries to sustain their momentum, deepen policy reforms, and continue delivering practical results that benefit the nation’s farmers and rural households.
“We want agriculture to be the foundation for long-term, inclusive economic growth in Papua New Guinea,” he concluded.