Commercial farming plans underway, says Allen

Business

THE National Agriculture Sector plan being developed will set the platform for equal opportunity for commercialised farming, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Benny Allen says.
Allen said the department intends to champion changes which would only be triggered by farmers.
“It’s our time to work together to transform the industry. We need to grow our sector and embrace every opportunity presented to us,” he said.
“There are many challenges but as progressive and prospective corporates or farmers, we must work without governing bodies such as districts and provincial governments and aim to sustainably expand economic opportunities and free up impediments to growth in agriculture sector.
“I’m challenging all commodity boards and its alliance in the agriculture sector to identify key enablers in your respective sub-sectors and establish a pathway towards prosperity.”
Allen said national and international issues would continue to affect the way business was conducted in the country.
“Every one of us is challenged to remain flexible and responsive,” he said.
“Traditionally, PNG has and always been practicing integrating farming system. We also wanted to protect ourselves from food insecurity.
“The ministry and department are now strongly advocating for the integrated farming system to be practiced by all small farmers.”
Allen said integrated farming system can create more Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the agriculture sector.
“This system has to be operated in a business and commercialised manner.
“It is vital strategy that we make farmers more self-reliant and economically independent. We cannot rely on only one crop for food security or use it as an insurance policy.”