K65mil waiting to develop rice and hike production, says PM

A TOTAL of K65 million would be allocated for initiating rice production and an additional K20 million to support the expansion of established rice grower Rigo Rice, says Prime Minister and Treasurer James Marape.
He said this at the closing of the two-day Department of Agriculture and Subsector Agencies Meeting held in Port Moresby on Friday. Rice experts Steven Hoko of the Department of Agriculture and consultant Scott Needham presented at the meeting.
“I was very happy with the rice presentation,” Marape said.
“The experts highlighted that an investment of K65 million could cultivate 120 hectares and potentially reduce rice imports.
“That K65 million is available, so get your work plan in place, mobilise the private sector already involved in the industry, and let’s start working immediately.”
He also emphasised the role of provincial governments in supporting these initiatives.
“Find a provincial government that can provide you with the land needed to grow rice,” pointing out East Sepik as an ideal location due to its under-utilised large tracts of land.
He noted the K5 million previously provided in 2021 by the Treasury to the East Sepik Provincial Government for land mapping from Angoram to Maprik, which would aid in the expansion of rice cultivation.
Highlighting the ongoing efforts with Rigo Rice in Central, Marape disclosed plans for further financial support.
“In fact, we are already in the process of releasing K20 million to Rigo Rice, for expanding its rice-growing area,” he said.
Marape said there needed to be less dependency on imports.
“Let’s get the rice export business up and running and replace imports.”