Allan opens market for farmers in Goroka

AGRICULTURE and Livestock Minister Benny Allan has started the Market for Village Farmers project in Goroka and opened a one-day agriculture stakeholder’s workshop.
“The aim is to increase sustainable income for small farmers by increasing production volumes and quality in the target value chain,” he said.
He said improved market links would achieve sustainable domestic fresh food market to reduce reliance on imports.
“It will also promote women participation, partnership and innovative business models relevant in the PNG context. The project will support the International Food and Agriculture Development meet PNG standards and expectations of the Government,” Allan said.
Allan said 87 per cent of the population in rural area were involved in agriculture, contributing 28 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product.
He said agriculture offered the best promise for growth in the economy to address food security and reduce poverty.
The project is in line with the Government priorities in the Medium Term Development Plan 3 and Alotau Accord 2.
“It will facilitate the transition of subsistence agriculture to farming as a business and promote small producers to stimulate private sector engagement,” Allan said.
He thanked Fresh Produce Development Agency as fresh produce industry which is probably the
important subsector involving a large majority of the population containing 85 to 90 per cent of the population.