Goilala witnesses signing of K1mil vegetable deal

Business

By MALUM NALU
Goilala district development authority has entered into K1 million memorandum of understanding with Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA) to develop a fresh vegetable project.
Goilala MP and Minister Assisting Prime Minister William Samb signed the agreement with FPDA general manager Mark Worinu at Adueii in Goilala.
The event was witnessed by Vice-Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Henry Ame, Menyamya MP Thomas Pelika, Rigo MP Lekwa Gure and Central provincial administrator Gei Raga.
Samb, when signing the MOU, said he wanted his people to have hope for their future and not to dwell on the negative past.
He wanted his people to focus on agriculture, particularly farming fruits and vegetable farming and sell to Moresby with the support of FPDA to improve their livelihoods.
“We have been unfairly branded as rascals, rapists, murderers,” Samb said.
“From now on, we must have the vision for prosperity, success and happiness. We must strive to change from the last to first page.”
Ame, who officiated at the event, said that with the help of FPDA the Goilala people would be trained to improve their farming techniques to make farming as a business.
He commended the effort by Samb for making funding available through his DDA to support his people to go into farming.
Ame also commended FPDA for making a commitment to the district and for providing leadership in developing the food and horticulture industry in the country.
Worinu, while thanking Samb for the initiative, committed his organisation to the development of the fruit and vegetable industry in the district.
He vowed that the FPDA team would live and work in the community to develop their farms and also to support the aspirations of the MP. Worinu said FPDA had rolled out its partnership programmes with various districts and provincial governments.
He asked other districts to come on board if they were serious about agricultural development.
“FPDA has done it in Hela, Yapai, Kirene, Simbai, Elimbari, Gembolg, Alotau, Wau and many other remote parts of the country,” Worinu said.
“Now we are here in Adueii.
“I must say that FPDA is committed to supporting Government policies in agriculture, rural and economic development.
“We are passionate to contribute to improving the livelihoods of disadvantaged communities.”