The New Ireland Provincial Government through its business arm New Ireland Development Corporation Limited (NIDC) , has launched a K250,000 Copra Buyers Subsidy Program to revitalize the agricultural economy across all 10 LLGs of New Ireland Province.
50 local buyers (5 per LLG) each received K5,000.00 in working capital, paid directly into their bank accounts to purchase green copra from farmers in their respective wards.
The launch began in Kavieng District on Wednesday July 15th 2026 at Fatima Oval and extended to Namatanai District on July 17th 2026 at the beach front.
NIDC Chairman Benjamin Kimbe said this program is more than a subsidy, it is a homecoming to our roots.
“Agriculture has always been the heart of New Ireland’s culture and economy. Copra and cocoa plantations paid school fees, built homes, and sustained communities.”
“Over time, that momentum was lost. Today, under the leadership of Governor Hon. Byron Chan and Kavieng DDA chairman Hon. Ian Ling-Stuckey and the NIDC board and management team we are reigniting that flame.
The Copra Buyers Subsidy Program;
- Creates economic zones and formal buying points in every LLG, giving farmers direct market access.
- Puts cash in the pockets of rural families, improving livelihoods from the ground up.
- Reduces travel costs, and post-harvest losses.
- Establishes a partnership framework where NIDC connects local buyers to larger market opportunities.
- Restores agriculture as the engine of provincial development and service delivery that our people have missed for years.
Mr. Kimbe said this initiative is the beginning of greater development, a direct engagement with our people to deliver tangible economic benefits.
“By supporting our farmers and local buyers, we are building a self-reliant, prosperous, and proud New Ireland.”
Picture: (Right- Mr. Benjamin Kimbe and Mr. Pius Freeman during the launching in Kavieng)