Improve agro sector: Leaders

By FRANK RAI
THE World Food Day celebration ended with political leaders, scientists and corporate executives raising concerns that the agriculture sector in PNG should be improved in the next five years.
This would pave the way for 80% of the population, who are subsistence farmers, to sustain their livelihood by producing quality agricultural produce.
MPs Konie Iguan (Markham), Theodore Zurenouc (Finschhafen), interim president of the PNG Women in Agriculture Development Foundation Maria Linibi, NARI director for research Dr Segie Bang and representatives from the Ramu Agri-Business, Trukai Industries and Chevron Niugini said they would want to see a boost in the agriculture sector.
The World Food Day was celebrated at the Allan Quartermain Multi-purpose Hall at the National Agriculture Research Institute outside Lae on Tuesday.
They also said they were behind the PNG Women in Agriculture Development Foundation to throw their support for women to fully take part in the agriculture sector.
“Political leaders should embrace the programme because women are the back bone of the society, and that is through agriculture,” Mr Zurenouc said.
Women from all over the country including Enga, Southern Highlands, East Sepik, Sandaun, Milne Bay, Morobe, Simbu and Port Moresby set up stalls inside the hall to showcase their agricultural products.
The celebration also commemorated the World Rural Women Day and International Days for the Eradication of Poverty, which was held yesterday.