Agriculture projects needs better support: Official

THE Southern Highlands Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) is committed to supporting coffee growing in the province, adviser Kenneth Kuim says.
Kuim told people at Yaria village in the Imbonggu on Saturday that many growers had abandoned their coffee plots, but through the support of the provincial government, they were encouraged to grow the cash crop.
He acknowledged the work done by the Productive Partnership in Agriculture Project (PPAP) under project manager Potaisa Hombunaka.
Kuim said DAL was responsible for supervision and management of agricultural projects and its major role was to provide policy advice and technical and administrative support for the sector.
“I am impressed that there are 810 registered farmers in the Undiri Coffee Investment Ltd (UCIL), a cooperative group,” he said.
“Recently, the acting provincial administrator Joseph Cajetan confirmed more than 600 registered farmers in Pangia but this number is not enough and coffee growing has to be revisited and supported.”
Kuim said the province had started to develop its agricultural potential with the focus on cash crops, aside from coffee, like potato, with a processing factory close to completion in Pangia and the number of villagers involved in fish farming also on the rise.
“People selling cigarettes and betel nut as well as counterfeit Chinese products and other store goods are lazy; the real Southern Highlanders are farmers who are making use of their land,” he said.
Kuim said DAL’s main setback was transport but this was alleviated last month with the provision of a vehicle and several motorcycles to help the department carry out its work.
He said DAL would look at acquiring more bikes for extension work.
“Cooperative groups that need help from DAL must not hesitate to come and see me and my officers,” he said.
“UCIL has conducted some training already and that will continue with our support.”
Kuim said DAL would support growers by contributing strategic leadership and direction, coordinate and provide advice and support initiatives for an effective partnership between stakeholders.