Farmers seeking answers

THE Southern Highlands government must explain to potato farmers its plan to support the project in the future as it has shifted its focus to coffee, says a farmer.
Ron Andrew from Imbonggu said farmers were hoping that there would be continuous potato seedling supplies, provision of fertilisers and farming equipment, training and price subsidy for them to start farming their land.
He was reacting to a recent announcement by Governor William Powi that because of the poor potato price, it had shifted its focus to coffee but it would continue supporting the project.
“The provincial government should focus on both cash crops and not shift its focus, it is a slap in the face of those farmers that have already farmed their land, hoping they would earn something at the end of the day,” he said.
“It is better both are given prominence, those families that have coffee plantations and blocks should be empowered and those that do not should be assisted with farming equipment and training.”
Provincial administrator Jerry David said the potato project was not abandoned but would be promoted through the registering 47 agribusiness groups.
“The provincial government is strongly focusing on potato farming; coffee rehabilitation is another alternative crop that the government wants to revive to improve the provincial economy.
“Coffee is an international market driven crop, not like potato.
“The provincial government will not abandon the potato project.”