Sime Darby/NBPOL 40,000 ha Expansion Plan – PNG

The Gulf Provincial Government is already into discussing and planning stage to develop some 40,000 hectares of oil palm plantation in the province.

Governor Havila Kavo said they are now into direct discussions with new owners of New Britain Palm Oil Limited, Sime Darby.

He said the developer will be partnering the provincial government and landowners for the oil palm project in Ihu district.

The Governor said Sime Darby technical officersl have visited the project sites on several occasions and talked with the landowners who have expressed their genuine desire to make available their customary lands to for the project.

Mr Kavo said the development of this project will bring immense economic and social benefits to the project area landowners.

Mr Kavo said he has been advised by his technical advisers that the Minister for Agriculture & Livestock Tommy Tomscoll and the Department are fully supportive of the development of this project.

“The Minister is likely to bring National Executive Council (NEC) submission to Cabinet in 2015,” said Kavo.

This article originally appeared on http://www.pngloop.com/2015/01/03/gulf-plans-40000ha-oil-palm-estate/