K3m allocated for co-op work

By ANCILLA WRAKUALE
MARKETING of cocoa, coffee and vegetables is a challenge faced by farmers in rural areas face, Trade, Commerce and Industry Minsiter Charles Abel said yesterday.
Which is why they need a combined effort to market their farm produce, he said.
The government has therefore allocated K3 million towards the development of co-operative societies in PNG this year.
“The previous government has initiated the programme and we want to continue it,” Abel said.
“We are, however, concerned about the aspects of the administration of the program which has led to abuse of public funds. These are being investigated now.
“Stricter and more transparent guidelines are being constructed. This is one of the ways government is trying to empower people at the rural level.”
Abel said the people especially in rural areas lacked the ability to market their resources such as vegetables, fish and cocoa.
He said funds would be distributed in a fair and transparent manner.