Papua New Guinea creates exclusive ministry for coffee and palm oil

The leader of Papua New Guinea has appointed what are believed to be the world’s first ministers for coffee and palm oil.

Prime Minister James Marape, sworn in this month after an election marred by violence, delays and allegations of fraud, on Tuesday announced a new cabinet that would include both roles in what he said was a “targeted approach.” for economic growth.

Coffee and palm oil are the country’s two main agricultural exports.

Joe Kuli, former deputy minister of trade and industry, will take over the coffee portfolio and Francis Maneke, who has been a member of parliament since 2017, the palm oil portfolio.

“The traditional cultures of Papua New Guinea have lost focus in the last 30, 40 years. We want to bring them back to the table,” Marape said.

“We are breaking them down into specific ministers so that these programs are managed by a minister properly at the micro level.”

Palm oil is Papua New Guinea’s main agricultural export. Since 2008, it has generated more than 1 billion kina ($283 million) in revenue and accounts for more than 40% of the country’s total revenue from agricultural exports, according to the Department of Agriculture and Livestock.

While coffee is Papua New Guinea’s second-largest agricultural export, accounting for 6% of GDP from 2012 to 2017, the department says the revenue generated fuels many other industries, from transportation to construction and insurance to banking.

And while the coffee industry has faced challenges recently, with its global market share halving between 2012 and 2016, Marape hopes the new minister, who is from the Wahgi Valley region known for its coffee, will help liven up the stuff.

“Hon Joe Kuli will have no other job but coffee, coffee, coffee,” Marape said.

“I want to drink coffee made in Goroka, made in Hagen, made in Lae, made in Popondetta, made in our own country for export.

“He is now tasked with just sleeping, talking about coffee, waking up, talking about coffee.”