Fresh produce agency presents budget of K13.9 million

THE Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA) has presented its 2021 annual report, inclusive of expenditure summaries, a work plan and a budget of K13.9 million.
FPDA chief executive officer Mark Worinu presented the report to the Department of Agriculture and Livestock acting secretary Dr Sergie Beng in Port Moresby last Friday.
Worinu said the agency had experienced growth in its asset base due to capital investments.
He said this had resulted in increased total equity value compared with the previous year.
“The key indicators for measurement include a number of farmers contacted, number of formal small-to-medium enterprises established, volume of local production and monetary value earned as well as volume and value of imports,” he said.
“A total of 10,000 farmers were contacted which was a massive 164 per cent increase against the target.
“Further, about 35,000 tonnes of supply of fresh produce was recorded against the target volume of 27,000.
“The government provided 80 per cent of the operational annual budget for the year, which was a decrease by 21 per cent compared to the previous budget appropriation. “Networking and partnerships with key stakeholders have been fruitful, and we intend to continue into the future.”
Worinu said the FPDA programmes were complimented by special projects such as “market for village farmers” and the training centre and laboratory facility donated by the Australian government through its incentive fund initiative, as well as projects funded by Santos PNG Ltd and others.
“These projects are expected to generate more opportunities and excitement for the industry,” he said.
“These projects clearly underpin growth in the horticulture industry consistent with the major components or hematic areas of the 20-year strategic plan.
“The support of key government departments and agencies, allowed us to achieved what we presented.”