Madang agro gets K6m

By JAYNE SAFIHAO
THE National Agriculture Development Programme has given K6 million to boost agriculture and didiman projects in Madang.
The money was spent on seven new Toyota Hilux vehicles at a cost of K122,000 each for the six districts and one for the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) office.
The vehicles were handed over to Mary Lilih, an officer with DAL.
Deputy director agriculture Godfried Savi said of the K1 million allocated to the six districts, the balance would be used for other agriculture extension programmes.
He said with the theme “doing it right” for this year, Madang was the first province in setting a target to become the next economic hub.
He said the vehicles would make work easier for agriculture extension officers and farmers alike.
A total of K600,000 has been deposited with the National Development Bank for small growers to access and improve agro-economic activities.
Director economic sector – which includes agriculture, commerce and fisheries – Agodop Ganei said he was pleased with the response by the programme and that service delivery was only possible through network strengthening.
Six outboard motors will be given to the six districts, with 12 of 25 motorbikes to be delivered soon by Boroko Motors.
A sum of K6,000 was handed to the Cocoa and Coconut Institute for a week’s workshop for farmers training of coconut production.
A total of K5,950 was given to the Coffee Industry Corporation to conduct coffee production training for farmers in the six districts in the province.