20 FEBRUARY 2008 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) -------
A US$100 million (K293.7 million) cassava bio-fuel project is now
taking shape in Papua New Guinea's ( PNG) Central province, aimed at
cashing in on the growing popularity of the fuel additive ethanol – a
cassava by-product – in the world market, reports The National.
Funded by Korean firm Changhae Tapioka (PNG), the project is now on its
first phase in which the most feasible cassava variety is being
determined. The company said it expects to know at the end of this year
which variety out of the 10 being tested right now is well suited for
the project. The most suitable cassava variety will be propagated by
participating farmers nationwide.
Project developer Changhae Tapioka, a Korean-based investor, plans to
develop over 20,000ha in Launakalana for its nucleus plantation which
includes 100ha for the nursery site in Bore. Local farmers would be
encouraged to mass-produce the variety and supply it to the company. The
second cassava estate to be developed will be launched in New Ireland
province next month, the company said.
Central provincial administrator Rahael Yipmaramba told landowners and
the people Rigo the project is the "beginning of their lives and that
they must see it through". Changhae Tapioka said the international
market for bio-fuel (ethanol) has since been growing rapidly and is
expected to grow even further due to the increasing popularity of
ethanol, a by-product of cassava, as a fuel additive to petrol.
Bio-fuel is not only an alternative fuel but also
environmentally-friendly and could be used in existing vehicles in
controlled amount without the need for any engine modifications.
Mr Lim noted that the project would give a big boost to the rural
economy as it would generate income for the farmers and provide
large-scale employment. Ethanol as fuel is very popular in developing
countries like the Philippines, Thailand, India and China…….PNS (ENDS)
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Check for earlier Pacific Biofuel posts: http://pacbiofuel.blogspot.com/
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