Floriculture women get K1500 to help with training

Business

THE Department of Agriculture and Livestock gave K1500 to the Floriculture Association during their mini exhibition in Port Moresby recently.
Cecilia Kagena, the director of agriculture education and training, said the fund was to help training for women in micro business.
Kagena said it would involve how to register and attain an Investment Promotion Authority business certificate, how to fill Internal Revenue Commission forms, and financial literacy training.
Margaret Ufa, owner of the Sogeri Tropical Plants and Blooms, said her newly registered business was yet to get orders or make contacts with clients.
Ufa encouraged the floriculture group at Sogeri to prepare fresh-cut flowers, foliage and provide floral arrangement during events.
Ufa said she was looking for clients for her pot plants.
Narie Pokupak, vice-president of the Saint Charles Lwanga Parish mothers group at Gerehu, said they were mostly widows and unemployed mothers.
“We are proud to make billum, necklaces and crafts but have no venues to sell them. This exhibition is an opportunity for us,” Pokupak said.
“Our group has women from the Highlands, Niugini Islands, Momase and Southern region.
“The bilum comes from various places as well necklaces, earrings, bands and others.”