Zifasing, Markham Valley, Morobe – Friday, September 5, 2025 — The Oil Palm Industry Corporation (OPIC) has pledged its full support to the new Zifasing Village Oil Palm (VOP) Project, calling it a historic breakthrough for Morobe Province and an opportunity to bring rural families into one of Papua New Guinea’s most successful industries.
Speaking at the project’s launching ceremony — officiated by the Minister for Oil Palm, Hon. Francis Maneke — OPIC General Secretary Kepson Pupita said the initiative represented a turning point for the people of Zifasing and the Markham Valley.
“This is the first time in history that a structured Village Oil Palm Project is being rolled out in the Markham Valley,” Mr Pupita said. “It is a chance for landowners and families here to share in the benefits of oil palm, to secure income, and to participate meaningfully in national development.”
Government Targets and National Vision
Mr Pupita explained that the Zifasing project aligned with the government’s Medium-Term Development Plan IV (MTDP IV), which sets a target of planting 200,000 hectares of new oil palm by 2027.
“Across the country, 291,000 hectares have been identified for expansion, and the Markham Valley is one of the key growth areas,” he said. “This project is part of that national vision. It is about turning potential into reality, ensuring land is used productively, and communities are empowered through royalties, employment, and equity.”
Landowner and Provincial Partnerships
The OPIC General Secretary emphasised that the success of the Zifasing VOP project would depend on partnerships between customary landowners, the Morobe Provincial Government, and industry players such as New Britain Palm Oil Limited (NBPOL).
“Land is at the heart of this project,” he said. “It is critical that agreements are fair, transparent, and beneficial to the people who own this land. OPIC is working to ensure the right structures are in place so that landowners gain direct benefits.”
He also commended industry staff and technical officers who had committed their lives and families to working in rural communities, saying their efforts were vital to uplifting the economy.
Infrastructure and Road Access
Mr Pupita warned that poor roads remained a serious obstacle to oil palm development in the Markham Valley.
“Farmers cannot transport fresh fruit bunches without proper access roads,” he said. “This has been a major constraint, and OPIC is working with the provincial government and partners to prioritise road links in Zifasing and surrounding areas. We cannot allow crops to go to waste because of infrastructure gaps.”
Financial Backing and Future Planning
He confirmed that K1.2 million had been committed under the programme to support mobilisation, nurseries, and planting. MOUs would be signed between OPIC, the provincial government, and landowners to guide the rollout.
“These agreements will ensure all parties know their responsibilities and that benefits flow fairly,” Mr Pupita said. “Once the MOUs are in place, resources will be released to ensure the project takes off on a strong footing.”
Oil Palm as an Economic Driver
Mr Pupita placed the Zifasing initiative within the wider national context of oil palm as PNG’s leading agricultural export crop.
“Oil palm has transformed communities in West New Britain, Oro, and Milne Bay, lifting families from subsistence into the cash economy,” he said. “Now Morobe has the chance to share in that success. Oil palm can provide jobs, schools, health services, and infrastructure for Zifasing, if we manage it properly.”
Commitment to the People of Zifasing
Mr Pupita closed by reaffirming OPIC’s support for the project and thanking the people of Zifasing for their willingness to partner in development.
“This project belongs to you — the landowners, the farmers, the families,” he said. “OPIC is here to support you every step of the way. Together, with the leadership of government and the involvement of industry, we will make Zifasing a model for oil palm development in Morobe and the country.”
ENDS