Agriculture spending key

By JACINTA COHLEE
GROW PNG country director David Stewart has called on the Government to boost public spending in agriculture.
“Investments need to be in the research and development of new technologies to enhance productivity and production,” he said.
“Investments need to be made into infrastructure, providing small-scale irrigation and water control schemes. Irrigation throughout the valley is critical to agricultural development.
“Investments can be in rural infrastructure including roads, internet access and electrification, and post-harvest facilities.”
Stewart attended the recent Grow PNG (Markham) investors’ development forum with East Sepik Governor Allan Bird, Morobe Governor Luther Wenge, Markham MP, Koni Iguan, agribusiness investors and farmers.
He said PNG was still far from meeting the minimum target of 10 per cent investment in agriculture, which the Government must consider.
He also urged the Government to create a policy to allow agribusiness and industries to develop and flourish. He added that the only way to address these value-chain issues was through partnership.
“This is possible with the commitment of all stakeholders, governments, private sector operators and donor community” he said.
“This commitment must be deeply rooted in transparent partnerships and geared toward closing the gap between downstream and upstream players.”