Strict guidelines needed for agro

The National Letters

I TOTALLY agree with the news report “NDB (National Development Bank) needs to rise to the occasion”.
It is timely and fitting for the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to intervene, direct and institute full auditing of the NDB operations prior to the implementation and execution of the K200 million given to the NDB by Government to facilitate the entire governance of the funding. The concept is profoundly appreciated, simply because at last agriculture has been recognised by the chief executive officer of the country – Prime Minister James Marape.
If this is so, then the screening and selection criteria for considering potential agricultural applicants should be simple, straight forward and flexible to maximise good intent.
For example, the criteria should be clearly demarcated:

  • For the existing farmers with minimal finances but lacking adequate financial support to increase their productivity; and,
  • For the newly potential farmers – without financial security/capital, but have the ability to create business opportunities should be given a fair or equal opportunity by having a clear guideline to assist them.

The NID data can be effectively used as one of the prerequisites (criteria) in processing their application (s).
Also, the NID data can enable the NDB and DPI technical officers to visit project sites to assess, monitor and provide technical assistance to the newly funded farmers, until they become successful in their project.
If I am reading Marape’s intent clearly enough for setting aside K200 million, that is to make majority of Papua New Guineans to venture into SME businesses, including agriculture as one of the major players, then the application processing and selection criteria should be such that it is appealing and conducive to attract potential youths and adults who can actively participate and set a solid socio-economic base for the country to advance further in life and development.
We can collectively work hard and at the same time using honesty as our daily guiding tool to succeed.
Therefore, I wish to strongly suggest that the NDB collaborate with the Finance and Treasury Departments to institute the above suggested criteria by making public their intentions in the media for the benefit of the public, prior to implementation.
This will make public to all the funding opportunities.
This will be very handy and encouraging for our grade 10 and 12 school leavers, agricultural institutions and other tertiary institutions that have the necessary skills and knowledge, but lack financial capital for startup.
Ultimately, the ever increasing young Papua New Guineans will see a new horizon with an absolute confidence for a better and brighter future.
On the contrary, if the current rate of 30 per cent deposit as a security requirement by NDB is going to be maintained and used against this new initiative, then sadly the original intent by Marape will be defeated and it becomes another complete waste of public funds, whilst at the expense of the silent majority and a very high security deposit requirement of 30 per cent imposed by NDB becomes an impediment.

Amanini netave-47