On Febreury 13th the Ramu NiCo Management (MCC) Limited, developer of Papua New Guinea’s only nickel and cobalt project, has officially launched the country’s largest cocoa seed bank in Madang Province. The total plan of Bauri Cocoa Nursery is 100,000 seedlings, and this is the first batch of 10,000 mature seedings that will be distributed to Ramu NiCo’s affected LOAs and Women Group. Via them, cocoa seedlins will be distributed to each family for planting. It represents a major step toward sustainable development and long-term livelihoods for communities along the mine corridor.
The provincial Governor Ramsey Pariwa, Usino Bundi MP Vincent Kumura, Coastal Pipeline LOA Chairman Steven Saud and the landowner representatives attended the ceremony, they highly praised Ramu NiCo’s continuous social contribution to the locals.
Ramu Nico Community Affairs General Manager Erick Kuman explained that the project was funded by Ramu NiCo’s Community Development Fund.（这一段调到这里）
Ramu NiCo facilitated and delivered the project, ensuring it met community expectations. Kuman stressed that cocoa has long been part of Madang’s agricultural landscape and he urged landowners to take ownership of the crop, plant seedlings, and enjoy its benefits. He highlighted that cocoa farming forms part of the mine closure plan, preparing communities for life beyond mining.
The seed bank will begin distributing the first batch of seedlings next week to landowners along the project corridor. This milestone marks the start of a new agricultural journey, offering families a reliable income source at a time when global cocoa prices remain strong.
Governor Ramsey Pariwa described cocoa as the “lowest common denominator cash crop” for its ability to thrive in both coastal and highland regions. He emphasized that cocoa farming aligns with his vision to empower Madang economically, pledging K2 million this year to expand cocoa programs after committing K1 million last year.
At the launch, he also announced K100,000.00 to support the seed bank.Pariwa urged, encouraging people to embrace farming.
Local leaders echoed their support. Usino Bundi MP Vincent Kumura welcomed the initiative, noting its significance for his district and revealing plans to expand cocoa farming in partnership with the PNG Cocoa Board, Ramu NiCo, and the provincial government. Coastal Pipeline LOA Chairman Steven Saud reminded landowners that mining will eventually cease one day , urging them to embrace cash-earning agriculture as the foundation of future prosperity. “Cocoa is the way forward,” he said.
Landowner representative John Koti expressed joy, noting that locals have land and now, with seedlings provided, they can cultivate cocoa to secure sustainable livelihoods. The PNG Cocoa Board’s involvement ensures the project aligns with national efforts to revitalize the industry, positioning Madang Province to play a leading role in Papua New Guinea’s reputation for high-quality cocoa.
The Ramu NiCo,a launch of the Bauri Cocoa Seed Bank is more than a local achievement, it is a symbol of what can be accomplished when government, company, industry, and communities work together to build resilience and prosperity beyond mining.
