Tongamp: Boost agriculture

 By ELIAS LARI

JIWAKA Governor Dr William Tongamp has given K50,000 towards the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) to help in its research and promote the agricultural sector.

Tongamp was a guest at NARI’s agricultural innovation show on Tuesday at Tambul, Western Highlands, and said he believed agriculture was a “sleeping giant” that would make much revenue for the country.

Tongamp said climate change issues would see NARI play a major role in imparting new skills and teaching interested farmers.

“NARI is very important because it will help to boost the agriculture sector in the country,” he said.

Tongamp said in the 2014 national budget, he would try to discuss with other leaders to persuade government to give agriculture priority.

“This country is an agricultural country and what we will do is to maintain that,” Tongamp said.

He said NARI was one of the country’s important institutions that needed close government attention.

“PNG is agriculture-based and more investment must be in agriculture which is the next major focus that will drive the economy once minerals run out.”

Tongamp said he was serious about agriculture and that Jiwaka had a suitable and fertile land that could be developed.

“That is my vision. I want to see agriculture become a major area that will put money back into people’s pockets,” he said.