The National, Monday 30th April 2012
http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/32097
By PISAI GUMAR

TWENTY-seven landowners from Umi-Atzera in Markham valley, Morobe province, set a record by releasing 7,000ha of land at no cost to the government and jointly initiated a pioneer oil palm project. Markham MP Koni Iguan thanked the locals for their change of attitude over land disputes by working in partnership with the government.
“Let’s shift away from the traditional mindset by utilising our land meaningfully in agricultural activities to transform our lifestyle,” Iguan said. Incorporated Land Group (ILG) certificates and land title were awarded to landowners to believe in themselves and take part meaningfully during the launching at the Mutzing station last Friday. Provincial administrator Kemaseng Tomala said it took three years to negotiate for the vital project that would exist for years to come and would benefit locals, provincial government and the national economy. He said the tireless effort of provincial special projects officer Bart Ipambonj had become a reality as the first phase included negotiations with landowners, mobilisation, land survey, registration and incorporation of ILGs. Phase two includes oil palm development, securing environmental permit license, secure investors, set up processing mill, using waste products and carbon trade activities. “Importantly, it was to ensure landowners have land titles, ILG certificates, are involved in planting and processing, form ILG companies, become shareholders, harvest and export the end result,” Tomala said. The provincial government supports the project and allocated K1 million for the process, including Markham the joint district planning committee.
The project has seen 145,000 seedlings planted already and a further 155,000 to be planted this year.  “Although the national highway penetrates through the ‘heart’ of Markham, locals remain mere spectators, planting and supplying only peanuts and dry coconuts to mainly Highlanders. Though the land mass was tag as ‘food bowl’ by government after government, nothing positive eventuated over the years,” Iguan said. “Palm oil will provide services that government is unable to provide.” Governor Luther Wenge praised the locals for releasing the land at no cost