PM vows K5 million for Markham development authority

PRIME Minister James Marape says K5 million will be allocated to the Markham development authority in Morobe to support agriculture and economic growth.
It targets the development of the cocoa industry, because of the surge in global cocoa prices.
Marape was at the Mutzing station on Friday for the launching of the Markham administration building and the district’s five-year development plan.
He emphasized the economic potential of agriculture, saying “there is money in the villages”.
He highlighted the opportunity presented by the cocoa market, saying “cocoa is now paying K1,300 a bag”.
“God has given you land to work and make money. There is money in cocoa, corn, taro, coffee and oil palm. If you want the Government to bring in development, you too must work for your country.”
Marape said if 5,000 Markham men engaged in agriculture and earned K10,000 each annually, it could inject K50 million into the district’s economy.
“The Government wants you to go to your gardens, make money, and we will put money into districts that will link you to economic productivity,” he said.
“Money is there, you are not poor. It is because you are lazy. You live along the Highlands Highway, so you have no excuses to be poor.”