Late Sir Alkan has given a lot, Dion says

 DEPUTY Prime Minister Leo Dion has paid tribute to the founding chairman of the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI), the late Sir Alkan ToLolo, for his contribution to agriculture research and development in the country.

In his keynote address at NARI’s 16th anniversary agricultural innovations show in Lae, Morobe, last Wednesday, Dion said ToLolo laid a strong foundation for transparency, accountability, creativity and innovativeness. 

“That foundation has been instrumental to the progress made by NARI,” he said.

Dion, who is Minister for Inter-government Relations, offered his gratitude and thanks to Lady Nerrie ToLolo for following the path led by Sir Alkan. 

“As a member of the NARI council, she has continued the ToLolo family’s tradition to nation building,” he said.

He congratulated the NARI council, its management and staff for their dedication and invaluable 

contribution to agricultural research for innovative development in Papua New Guinea, and this year was the 16th anniversary of that dedication.

“NARI has been successfully hosting agriculture Innovation Shows over the last seven years.

“This year’s show focused on the theme “Innovative Agriculture for Sustainable Development in Papua New Guinea”.

“The shows are unique and highly relevant, playing a crucial role in innovative agricultural and economic development in the country.”

Dion said a number of innovations by NARI covered a wide range of areas which were displayed by a variety of organisations and individuals.

He said this year’s theme was commendable and very appropriate to various strategies of the O’Neill’s Government and also for the realisation of the Vision 2050.

Dion said NARI’s continued commitment to agriculture development was again displayed through the launching during the show of two new technologies in pyrethrum and potato varieties released to farmers, the launch of a book on Capacity Building for Agriculture Research for Development in PNG and the launching of NARI’s Programme Implementation Plan.

Sir Alkan, who passed away in 2003, was the first National Director of education who helped organised a flag competition which Susan Karike’s design won.