Rice mill to help farmers

THE presentation of a rice mill to the Kotte local level government in Finschhafen, Morobe, will help farmers to become self-reliant.
It cost around K60,000 and can produce 800 tonnes a day.
Farmers can use the diesel-powered machine to venture into commercial rice production.
Department of Agriculture and Livestock northern region director Ario Movis said: “We assist farmers to venture into small and medium enterprises.
“And with the quantity of produce they have, we then link them to the market.”
He said the history of rice milling went back to the days of missionaries.
“We can promote locally-produced rice to cut down on rice imports.”
Department adviser Valentine Kambori said Finschhafen had been growing rice for about a 100 years.
Finschhafen MP Rainbo Paita said it was a historic event.
“We are happy to hear that DAL wants to sign a memorandum of agreement with the district.
“We will give our support once the MoA is in place.”
He said the district was committing K100,000 to the venture.