Award initiated for women farmers

National, Normal
Source:

Story and picture by SENIORL ANZU

A NEW award system to recognise successful and innovative women farmers has been initiated by PNG Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA).
FPDA board member Louise Aitsi announced the award in Lae, Morobe province, last week.
She said the award would not only recognise the role of women in agriculture food production and rural development but also to motivate and encourage farmers to grow more food and earn money.
The award system is a first of its kind for women farmers.
It is an annual programme and would start this year.
Ms Aitsi said it was approved by the FPDA board last year.
She said they were now working on the criteria and other guidelines before it was officially announced.
FPDA is hopeful that calls for nominations will be made later this month.
Meanwhile, FPDA said it would continue to work with women farmers in fresh produce development.
Manager production and services Lucas Kindiwa told a women farmers’ forum in Lae last week that FPDA’s two programmes – gender and youth and village extension worker – target women.
Mr Kindiwa also stressed that partnership and collaboration shall continue within and among agencies and groups as no single entity can address everyone’s farming needs.
He said FPDA would also work in partnership with other line agencies, service providers, NGOs and individuals to ensure a wider coverage area.