Company commends government freight subsidy initiative

The Innovative Agro Industry (IAI) PNG says the subsidised freight service for fresh produce farmers will benefit all stakeholders in the supply and value chains.
Chairman Ilan Weiss told The National that the Government’s direct intervention facilitated the much-needed assistance to farmers in the Highlands and the access to fresh produce for Port Moresby residents at affordable prices.
“As part of the agriculture sector in PNG, we are grateful for the initiative that brings about cost-effective results, benefitting all stakeholders in the supply and value chain – from the farmer to the consumer,” he said.
Weiss said the IAI and the Southern Highlands government were working to assist out-growers to increase capacity, consistency and quality. “Southern Highlands Governor William Powi and the provincial administration are rolling out programmes, in which we are involved, that assist the farmers in receiving seeds, providing extension and logistics for harvest and post-harvest,” he said.
“These programmes are gaining momentum and are the pathway to success.
“In Enga, IAI and Governor Sir Peter Ipatas and the provincial administration have long been working on potato cropping.
“The programme in Enga is well established.”