Research to lift sector

COMMERCIAL farming is the focus of agriculture development as the next step in achieving the government’s goals for agriculture in the country, an official says.
Department of Agriculture and Livestock secretary Dr Vele Pat Ila’ava said it was time to look at bringing in money for the country through agriculture and the way forward was through commercial farming.
“We are not just about feeding our people. We need money and the way to achieving that is through research and technology.
“During our ministerial visit to India last week, we discussed with our agricultural counterparts possibilities and opportunities for further training and development of our agriculturalists.
“India built itself to where it is today on innovative technology in agriculture. They have the know how and skills which we can utilise to develop our country.
“In a Memorandum of Agreement draft we prepared for the Indian government through the agriculture sector, transfer of knowledge, research and technology, as well as opportunities for further studies for our researchers was top of the agenda.
“We want to upscale our researchers at NARI to offer the best there is for our people.” DAL Minister Benny Allan said the concept of subsistence farming was what built Papua New Guinea.
“We all know subsistence farming.
It is in our blood. What we need to focus on now is new ways of farming. And this is where we hope the Indian government can help us with.
“We have partnered with the Israelis with the Innovative Agriculture Industry at 9Mile, and now we looking to India,” he said.
“People who invest in commercial farming want a return, that’s why they do research first.
“People can say research is wasting time and money, but it is important for us to be certain so we can get a return from it.
“If the soil we have been farming on is not suitable, what can we do to make it suitable, how can we improve that soil? We use research and technology to make it suitable.
“Under Labour laws, all organisations must engage in knowledge transfer programmes for up skilling and training of staff.
“So bringing experts into the country to help in this area is one of our priorities.
“For example, if the Indian government helps us to set up a seed bank, then obviously we are going to need to train people to operate and manage the seed bank. The
Indians will not be here forever.
“Please be assured that any MoA we sign is in the best interest of Papua New Guinea. If we don’t get a good deal, we will not sign.
And this MoA is geared towards helping the country to grow the economy.”
Allan said the DAL was working on identifying potential investors but for that to be effective, his staff needed to step up their game.
“To achieve all the goals set out for agriculture, we need to work together as a team.”