Central rice project proceeds

 By MOUA OMOA

THE Central provincial government has been given the green light to resume discussions with Naima Investments on the proposed rice project in Central.

It follows a request by Central Governor Kila Haoda to Agriculture Minister Tommy Tomscoll to reconsider a decision to stop the proposed K7 billion Central rice project.

Haoda said Central had favourable conditions to grow and supply rice to the domestic and international markets which would boost economic growth for the province and the country.

Tomscoll said the Central rice project was never terminated. 

He said he had made a decision to discontinue the project because normal processes were not followed.

He said it was time that PNG looked at large industrial agro-products that would provide food for the people.

“In October 2012, I stopped the proceeding after considering that the project did not follow the normal process of government project formulation stipulated by the various acts.

“The process of doing a lawful agro-forestry project would include complying with the Environment Act, Forestry Act, Land Act, Customary Land Act and the incorporated Land Group Act.”

Tomscoll said he supported large agro-farming because it would provide infrastructure and income to the people.

He urged Haoda to commence negotiations with Naima Investments through the correct processes.