Primary industries support sought

Papua New Guineans are continuing to sit idly by while others exploit the market for our primary industries products.
Previous governments have had a livestock and primary industries section in the Agriculture Department.
Now, we need to develop that into a national body to regulate, support and supervise the primary industries sector.
We have tonnes of peanuts that are grown throughout PNG, especially in Markham, Karimui, Okapa, Asaro and Whagi Valley. We can use that to develop  products like roasted peanuts, peanut butter, peanut paste and peanut oil.
We also have tonnes of sweet potato (kaukau) grown throughout the length and breadth of PNG and this can either be exported raw or used in the manufacture of wine and spirits.
Our cocoa is harvested and sold as primary products overseas. That is good, but how about adding value to that and producing our own chocolate?
The sweetest pineapples anywhere in the world are found right here in Bena Bena. Pineapple is grown throughout the country and can be exported.
We are already doing something with our fish, timber, rubber and palm oil, however, we can step it some more with the support of a central agency.
When ships offload their cargo at our wharves, they must not return to New Zealand, Germany, Canada empty. Instead, they must be filled to the brim with copra, cocoa, peanuts, pineapples, cardamom, pawpaw, chili, avocado, citrus, banana, vanilla and more.
Our women are very creative in billumware, clothing and modelling and they deserve the support of the rest of the country. We are already producing cups and small kitchenware out of Kainantu. We are able and willing to do things but are held back largely because we do not have the money needed to start up.
Too many bank and government regulations are making it difficult for Papua New Guineans to start a business, yet we see foreigners who can hardly read or write English and Pidgin go into business in areas once for reserved for locals.
We need the national government to help PNG nationals start a business and get ahead.

Gerard Saleu
Goroka