MP urges people to be self reliant, focus on agriculture

Farmers in Rabaul, East New Britain, have been encouraged to toil the soil and be self-reliant through agriculture in order to increase the production of goods and services and bring in revenue to families and wards.
Rabaul MP Dr Allan Marat said this yesterday in a meeting with its district development authority (DDA) board members and farmers.
He said the Rabaul DDA board supported the economic and agriculture sector because they believed it would contribute to the economy so people should grab that opportunity.
“I have told the DDA board members that now we will be looking at four major areas of development; church, education, health sector and business sector,” he said.
Dr Marat said the reviving of the coconut business was in line with the district’s vision.
He told farmers there was limited land for them to use and plant coconut but urged them to make use of whatever was available.
He wanted 49 kiln pipes set for each ward to build fermentaries for white copra and empower the people with the skills and materials so that they work and earn money to sustain their families.
“The aim is to put money into the pockets of the farmers and with this coconut rehabilitation programme, I encourage people to work. You have to sweat, success comes after self-reliance.”