Introduce food subsidy policy

A FOOD subsidy policy will help Papua New Guinea achieve the PNG Vision 2050.
At the moment, the country ranks 155/189 in the Human Development Index (HDI).
That is a low ranking.
And it is quickly racing towards the bottom of the table.
Our smaller Pacific Islands neighbours have made leaps to go up the ladder while we are struggling.
The regression of PNG, in terms of HDI, is disheartening, especially when we have the resources and mechanisms to be better.
The news of Porgera mine’s reopening under favourable terms and opening of new mining projects sound exciting.
But the real impacts on development and quality of life remains questionable.
Most Papua New Guineans are not experiencing any changes in many changes in policies and agreements that are said to benefit them.
The benefits from our natural resources is not reaching many Papua New Guineans.
I call on the Government subsidise our staple foods such as rice, tinned fish and flour.
Put some of the Government’s money into subsidising food items.
We have a lot of issues to address, but I believe introducing a food subsidy policy is a great way to start.
Take back PNG through a food subsidy policy.

Maru Igabi