Disease-Free Coconut Nurseries In Papua New Guinea To Support White Copra Revival And Rural Livelihoods

Three new coconut nurseries commissioned in Papua New Guinea (PNG) will provide disease-free, high-yield coconut seedlings to support farmers in replanting efforts, particularly those impacted by Bogia Coconut Syndrome (BCS), as part of broader efforts to revive the country’s white copra market and strengthen rural livelihoods.

Located in Malala (Bogia District, Madang Province), and in Viviran (Gazelle District) and Tabuna (Kokopo District) in East New Britain Province, the nurseries are part of the broader Agri Value Chain Finance (AVCF) Facility implemented by Kokonas Indastri Koporesen (KIK) with support from the Pacific Community (SPC) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) through the ACP Business-Friendly Programme, funded by the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).

KIK Managing Director, Mr Alan Aku said the nurseries are a direct response to the challenges facing PNG’s coconut industry, especially the damage caused by Bogia Coconut Syndrome.

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BCS is a plant disease affecting coconut palms and other palm species and is a major concern for PNG’s agriculture and food security, as coconuts are a key crop for livelihoods and exports.

“By investing in clean, resilient planting materials and working with partners on financing and market access, we are not only restoring production but empowering our farmers to move from survival to success,” said Mr Aku.

At the nursery launch in East New Britain, SPC’s Land Resources Division Deputy Director, Ms Florence Rahiria, emphasised the long-term value of this initiative.

“These nurseries will not only provide disease-resistant, climate-resilient planting materials, but also serve as training and demonstration hubs, offering farmers direct access to technical support and modern farming knowledge,” Ms Rahiria stated.

“This integrated approach combining production, finance, and market linkages is helping transform the coconut industry from subsistence to enterprise. On behalf of SPC, I extend heartfelt thanks to the Government of Papua New Guinea, the leadership of KIK, our partners at the National Development Bank and Coconut Resource Limited, and the resilient farmers and communities who continue to inspire us,” she said.

The Malala nursery is especially significant for farmers in Bogia District, where BCS has devastated coconut plantations. In addition to providing new planting material, the nurseries are linked to partner schools and learning centres that are integrating coconut farming into their school curriculum.

Teacher at Malala Catholic Agro-Technical Secondary School, Mr Barry Buga shared that the initiative is not just about coconuts. “It is about giving our students and their families real-life tools to rebuild and thrive. We now have a living classroom where agriculture meets opportunity.”

Local educator in Kokopo District, Ms Melda Pona shared, “Having this nursery here in Tabuna creates hands-on learning for our students and a direct link between schools and community-based agriculture. It encourages youth participation in agribusiness and promotes food security for the future.”

The three nurseries complement wider efforts to develop tailored financing solutions for coconut and other key value chains. Through the AVCF Facility, farmers and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) will be supported with access to finance, technical assistance, and organised market linkages. The initiative targets not only coconut producers but also stakeholders across the cocoa, coffee, and fresh produce sectors.

Agri-Finance Lead at SPC, Mr Lagi Fisher said, “This is about strengthening the full value chain, starting with the seedling and ending with export-ready white copra. It is a model that is farmer-driven, finance-enabled, and focused on lasting impact.”

About the ACP Business-Friendly Programme

The ACP Business-Friendly Programme is a joint initiative of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the International Trade Centre (ITC), funded by the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). It aims to improve the business environment for MSMEs across the Pacific through inclusive finance, infrastructure development, and strengthened value chain partnerships.

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