HOKUMA PROJECT

Agriculture stands as the backbone of PNG’s economy, representing untapped potential awaiting full realization nationwide. Recognizing this opportunity, SERACS Agribusiness, a subsidiary of SERACS Ltd, initiated a cocoa project in 2023 within Central Province's Kairuku District, in partnership with the Hokuma Incorporated Land Group (ILG).

A week-long community awareness and farmer mobilization effort for this project concluded successfully on June 5th, 2024. This impactful campaign effectively engaged villages including Korona 1, Korona 2, Idau (Musa), and Tutuna, within Wards 1 & 2 of Nara Gabadi LLG in the Kairuku District. The primary objective of this initiative was to educate the community about the project and its benefits to the local population. Additionally, the team identified farmers who showed keen interest in participating in the project, including mapping their land areas for cocoa tree cultivation. The peak of this awareness program, on June 5th, coincided with World Environment Day. It was marked by the symbolic planting of the first cocoa seed by Mr. Kora Evesa, Chairman of the Hokuma ILG, symbolizing the formal commencement of the Hokuma Cocoa Project.

In the upcoming month, the initial batch of over 5000 cocoa seedlings will be distributed to interested farmers from the 18 clans and 168 families identified across six villages. These seedlings will be allocated for transplantation into their respective blocks. The support demonstrated by land groups and interested farmers underscores the significance of this project, especially considering it is the first of its kind in 15 years, following a logging project that left landowners without tangible benefits.

Progress is already evident, with two villages having identified their land areas for clearance and currently undergoing land clearing to prepare for the transplantation of cocoa seedlings. To complement this effort, SERACS Agribusiness will offer technical support, including comprehensive training on various cultivation stages such as seedling nursery management, transplanting, farm management, pruning, harvesting, fermentation, and drying. This will be followed by financial management and capacity building trainings

BOUGAINVILLE SMALLHOLDER COFFEE PROJECT

The sample of the Bougainville Arabic Coffee was collected during our recent visit to Bougainville. We sent the coffee sample to Goroka for testing and the result has come out successfully.  The Bougainville Arabica Coffee is now rank as one of the best in the region. In a near future, it will become one of the primary drivers of income for the Bougainville Government, contributing significantly to the region's economic development.

We acknowledged the Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC) for conducting the testing and Mr. Rodney Sinaune of Niugini Digital Film for producing videos and pictures that documented the entire testing process

SERACS Agribusiness Strengthens Coffee Rehabilitation Efforts through CIC-PACD TOT Program

Our agriculture specialists, Mr. Awoh Saluali and Mr. Gerard Siari, recently participated in the Coffee Industry Corporation and Papua New Guinea Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification (CIC-PACD) Project Coffee Extension Manual Training of Trainers (TOT) Program at Aiyura, Eastern Highlands Province. Held from the 19th to 23rd of August 2024, the program equipped our specialists with vital knowledge on various aspects of coffee cultivation and management.

The TOT program combined classroom-based instruction with hands-on field learning, including a visit to the Germplasm Coffee Block, where over 200 coffee varieties are preserved for crossbreeding.This training marks a significant milestone for both our agricultural experts and SERACS Agribusiness Ltd. The knowledge and skills gained will directly enhance our ongoing coffee rehabilitation program, which supports over 100 coffee farmers in Kongara 1, Kongara 2, and South Nasio in Bougainville.

In addition to the training, our team met with CIC Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Steven Tumae, and PACD Productive Partnership Coordinator, Mr. Alphy Semy, to provide updates on our coffee rehabilitation progress in Bougainville. The team also visited the Goroka Finest Honey Project in Bena District, further broadening the agricultural knowledge. At SERACS Agribusiness Ltd, we wish to offer special word of appreciation to CIC-PACD and the program facilitators for the opportunity to participate in this TOT Program alongside 36 other attendees.

December 18,2024

Empowering Local Farmers through SERACS Agribusiness

SERACS Agribusiness, a subsidiary of SERACS Ltd., has taken a significant step towards supporting local farmers in Korona 1 and 2 villages, located in the Nara Gabadi LLG, Kairuku District. Last week, we began purchasing fresh garden produce directly from local farmers, starting with three 25kg bags of kaukau (sweet potatoes) and three 25kg bags of pumpkin.

This initiative ensures that locally grown produce reaches businesses, clients, and families in Port Moresby while helping farmers enhance their livelihoods. Our goal is to expand and diversify our supply of fresh produce. In the long run, we aim to strengthen the local economy and promote the growth of agriculture in Kairuku District and across Central Province.

Stay tuned for updates on our progress and the opportunity to place orders for high-quality, locally sourced food.

December 18, 2024

Progress Update on Cocoa Project in Korona Villages

Last week, as part of our ongoing monitoring efforts, our team conducted a final site visit to the cocoa project in Korona 1 and 2 villages. Planted in June 2024, the cocoa trees are thriving. Out of the 7,000 seedlings planted, 4,589 are progressing well.We remain committed to working closely with the communities to ensure this project continues to benefit local farmers and improve their living standards.

By utilizing customary land through Incorporated Land Groups (ILGs) and family groups, this project supports the responsible use of 97% of customary land in Papua New Guinea.

With an undivided support from our agribusiness team, we have confident in continue driving sustainable development and empowering local communities!