Numu refutes criticisms regarding agro project

The National Business

By ZACHERY PER
EASTERN Highlands Governor Peter Numu has refuted negative comments over the multi-billion kina agriculture development project memorandum of agreement (MoA) with Mckinley Asia PNG Ltd.
Numu said the agreement signing in Port Moresby last Friday was witnessed by Prime Minister James Marape.
He said the signing was a result of the government’s encouragement for provinces to solicit development partners offshore and onshore to complement government development grants to provinces.
Numu said the agreement was part of the Eastern Highlands government’s five-year integrated development plan.
“The future looks promising for the people of Eastern Highlands in agriculture. One of my major priorities is to invest in agriculture, trade and investment,” he said.
“Implementation is another thing. We have to work towards achieving the vision and dreams.
“As governor, I had to go out to investors. I received an expression of interest from Mckinley and responded to it and had discussions and they wanted to invest in agriculture in Eastern Highlands.
“We negotiated and they wanted to invest in one pilot project, divided into two zones.”
Numu said Mckinley Investment Group based in the US, is an international group of companies specialising in fund management with operations in 100 countries.
He said the future looked promising for people who were engaged in agriculture.
Numu challenged critics to offer alternative plans to develop agro-industries and the economy of EHP.

2 comments

  • As farmers in the US, South Ameruca and Europe are winding down farming business operation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, international companies like Mckinley Asia PNG Ltd is eying to safe tropical climate like PNG to invest in agriculture basically to do direct supply globally to the worst hit countries…I comment Governor Numu for inviting investors to EHP because it is the ideal land for agriculture. People should not confused themselves with negative comments as MOU as the foundation before implementation..

  • If this project proves legitimate, it will change the face of agriculture in PNG.
    It will be helpful if more information on the approach being undertaken to develop agriculture. Majority of land is customary, any large scale agriculture model will have to use strategies that maximise small holder involvement whilst strengthening the market chain and supporting infrastructure.
    Look forward to more information on this.

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