Forum to link farmers and investors, says organiser

THE Grow PNG investor development forum held in Lae yesterday was intended to connect Markham Valley smallholder farmers with potential agribusiness investors.
The forum was to bring together local and overseas investors, industry experts, government representatives, and business leaders to explore agricultural investment opportunities in the Markham Valley.
Invited speakers focused on Morobe and Markham, “unlocking the economic power of agriculture, the importance of private investments in PNG, turning the machinery of government into action, the Australian government highlights in agriculture, actions required of landowners to attract investment in Markham.”
GrowPNG country director David Stewart urged participants to come up with ideas for policy change, both government and personal, that will encourage residents of the Markham Valley.
“Those living in the food corridor with arguably the most exciting agribusiness potential in South East Asia to make their offering to investors more marketable,” he said.
He referenced a study by Holden and Otsuka, and said land tenure reform expanded land renting and contributed to improving daily life, food security. Therefore, he advised landowners to lease out their land.
“Don’t be scared to rent your land if the opportunity comes up,” Stewart said.