By Martha Louis – PC Online Contributor

Copyright postcourier

The opening of Home state’s new dry coffee processing factory in Morobe has been described as both a milestone for Papua New Guinea’s coffee industry and a challenge for the province to rise to the growing demand.

Bulolo MP Sam Basil Jnr, speaking at the launch, said the factory would only reach its full potential if local districts and communities commit to supplying quality beans

“I think it’s not always a competitive thing, but it’s a challenge also for the district and all of Morobe to meet the demand,” Basil Jnr said.

“If people don’t meet the demand, then we start thinking about the need for more facilities. So it’s really a challenge for the people of Bulolo district to supply what is needed.”

The factory, developed by Homestate to mark its 25 years in PNG, is fitted with world-class equipment designed to set a new benchmark for local processing.

Coffee leaders say it will not only create export opportunities but also train farmers to improve production, quality, and value addition at home.

Basil Jnr said the development should encourage farmers in Bulolo and across Morobe to expand production, viewing the factory as a ready market.

“This is an opportunity for us to work together and, who knows, maybe one day we can even aim for a world-class coffee tour to showcase what we produce,” he said.

The Homestate factory will also serve as a training hub for rice and coffee, linking smallholder growers with technology and markets.

Industry leaders say the investment signals renewed confidence in PNG’s coffee industry and its potential to drive rural incomes.