Flower power on display at show

FLOWER farmers from all over the National Capital District, Central province and two other centres in Papua New Guinea gathered in a first- of-its-kind flower exhibition at the Sir John Guise stadium yesterday.
Initiated by the Port Moresby Flower Farmers Association and jointly coordinated by the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, Women in Agriculture Unit and the National Capital District Commission women’s desk, the show aims to promote the floriculture industry in PNG and to showcase local flowers.
The farmers comprised mostly of women.
PNG had a diverse and unique biodiversity and this lucrative industry must be utilised, however, many lack the proper exposure and training, the organisers said.
Present were many community and family-based groups who had their displays at the show.
“These flowers are the source of our livelihood in Port Moresby,” Michael Kumugo of the Kerox Flower Family said.
“This trade has been passed on by my parents, now we pay school fees, and take care of daily expenses with the income generated from sales of these flowers and plants.”
He was thankful for the show that gave them the exposure.
Mr Kumugo has a small set up in front of the Boroko foodworld, where plants and flower arrangements are sold. Other eager participants flew in from Western province and Lae, Morobe province.