Government will offset rise in fertiliser cost: Marape

By SHIRLEY MAULUDU
PRIME Minister James Marape says consideration will be given to the agriculture sector to help with relief support.
The Prime Minister was responding to a question from East Sepik governor Allan Bird in Parliament yesterday on the cost of agriculture items like fertilisers that has recently increased.
“This is with regards to the large scale agriculture sector we have in our country.
“Russia and Ukraine are major producers of fertilisers and as a result of the war, the price of fertiliser has increased from about K2,500 per tonne to K6000,” Bird said.
“Whilst we are looking at relief for our ordinary citizens on the street, I wonder if there could be some consideration given to the agriculture sector particularly palm oil and rice industry as they both depend heavily on imported fertilisers and this rise in prices is going to affect them.
“If Cabinet takes a look at giving relief to the large scale agriculture sector as a result of this fertiliser increase in price.”
Marape said this recommendation was doable “especially at this time when we try to ensure that our country’s production is maintained and cost of doing business is stabilised if not minimised”.
“Treasury will take them on board.”