Farmer: Fast-track probe

By ZACHERY PER
TASK Force Sweep has been urged to fast-track investigations into the millions of kina in National Agriculture Development Programme (NADP) that have allegedly been squandered by “paper farmers”.
Honey producer Kelly Inae of Goroka, Eastern Highlands, made the call last week.
He said the paper farmers collaborated with people “in the system” and deprived the rights of genuine farmers, especially those in the cottage industries like him.
“I thank Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and his government for giving priority to the agriculture sector but the paper farmers have taken advantage to squander millions of kina parked in the NADP and the investigation must be fast tracked to bring those implicated to face justice,” Inae said.
He said some of those in the small industry have helped to provide employment to the unemployed.
“The government must put more money into the agriculture sector to make the environment conducive for our growth,” he said.
Inae added that the Task Force Sweep team must speed up the investigation and bring those responsible to face the full force of the law.