Go into agriculture to beef internal revenue, provinces told

By ZACHERY PER
PRIME Minister James Marape has challenged the 22 provinces in the country to initiate sustainable agricultural projects to lure government support to raise internal revenue.
He issued the challenge last week in Goroka, Eastern Highlands while opening a new Rumbia coffee exporting company belonging to the people of the province.
“Do not wait for a national government handout,” Marape said.
“Get engaged in agriculture initiatives like forest, fisheries and the list goes on.
“The national government is standing ready to partner with the provincial government to help raise revenue for the people and where it matters most.”
Marape commended Eastern Highlands Governor Peter Numu for initiating the Rumbia Coffee Exports Ltd to secure premium coffee prices for his people.
“Today Governor Peter Numu has provided leadership to bring back agriculture, especially giving good coffee price to growers.”
Marape said his visit to the province was a symbolic gesture to the country where agriculture had been the backbone of the country for many years.
“Governor Numu has now taken the lead in reviving agriculture in coffee, mushroom and other crops in the Goroka Agri-Park initiative,” he said.
“He is now a fine example to other provinces to go into agriculture project initiatives.”
Numu said the Goroka Agri-Park initiative and Rumbia Coffee Exports would enable farmers to get good prices for their hard work and economic empowerment.
He said the coffee exporting company would facilitate exports for farmer’s coffee overseas.