The Rabaul District Administration has partnered with Devine Management Services (DMS) Limited, a local agri-company specializing in buying Galip nut (Canarium indicum). 

Supported by K50, 000 in funding from the district, DMS Ltd is rolling out a program across three Local Level Governments (LLGs) in the Rabaul District: Watom Island LLG, Balanataman LLG, and Kabiu LLG.

The District District Primary Industry (DPI) sector and DMS Ltd have already completed initial galip tree stock surveys and awareness campaigns in Watom and Balanataman LLGs, with field operations scheduled to expand to Kabiu LLG in September.

Participating Kabiu LLG origin wards include Baai, Nordup, Matalau, Rakunat, Rabuna, Korere 1, and Korere 2.

During a galip nut training conducted today at the district headquarters in Kurakakaul for Kabiu LLG community leaders and farmers, DMS Ltd Project Manager Genevieve Luana said the goal of the program is to evaluate the existing galip tree stock in the district and encourage local communities to view the galip nut not just as a native delicacy, but as a high-value commercial product.

“Once we completed all surveys on the bearing and non-bearing galip trees in the respective communities and have conducted awareness on the product then we can identify a central location for a galip nut buying point for Rabaul district,” Luana said.

She added that at the moment there is only one DMS buying point located at Kokopo Market that is buying galip nuts at K15 per kilogram. 

Luana further stated that the awareness will cover topics such as identifying a good galip nut, preferred harvesting and processing techniques, packaging for buyers and their requirements, as well as safe handling and hygiene practices.

DMS Ltd Enumerator and Field Officer Roboam Akai, who was also present at the training, encouraged ward members, ward recorders, and other community leaders to utilize the Galip Nut Manual distributed to them and learn more about the product.

Meanwhile, District Administrator Freddy Lemeki has commended the initiative between the district and DMS Ltd, stressing that such public-private partnerships are crucial in assisting local farmers and the economy.