1 week Ago By Post-Courier Online Contributor
By Mack MARCUS Wambuan Jr More than a million Balsa tree seedlings have been distributed across five districts of Madang Province by Omega Consultancy in an effort to boost local growers’ income. The Madang Balsa Project, an initiative of Omega Consultancy, not only aims to increase local growers’ income but also seeks to position Madang Province as the second-largest exporter of balsa wood in PNG, after East New Britain. East New Britain is the leading province in PNG for growing and exporting balsa wood, contributing nine percent (9%) of the global balsa wood supply.
Madang has embarked on its journey to grow and export balsa wood, with the rollout of seedlings beginning in 2023. The project has now reached five districts: Sumkar, Rai Coast, Bogia, Madang Urban, and Usino Bundi. Omega Consultancy, responsible for the project, visited these districts to raise awareness about the importance of balsa wood and distributed seedlings to local communities.
Since the distribution of the seedlings, over 100,000 local growers have started planting balsa trees. Denson Javohn, Madang Balsa Project Manager, said, “The distribution of seedlings is the first phase of the project, and the second phase will focus on exporting the wood.” He highlighted that the project team is working on this initiative because they have already secured potential investors who are ready to support and export Madang’s balsa wood.
The first export of Madang balsa wood is projected for around 2027 or 2028. The Madang Balsa Project team is encouraging growers to plant the trees before December 2024 to ensure that they can harvest and export their wood after three years. Balsa trees take approximately 36 months to mature, making them a quicker return on investment for local growers compared to other cash crops.
Usino Bundi was the last district to join the project, and last Thursday, officers from the Madang Balsa Project visited all 34 wards in the district. The communities were excited to participate in the Madang Balsa Project, with people from far and wide attending the event to learn about the project’s benefits and how they can be involved. The significant of this project will not only boost Madang province economy but will provide better life for its people in a local setting.
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