Too much emphasis on rice production

 THERE is too much emphasis on rice production in Papua New Guinea, a leading agriculture expert says.

Dr Michael Bourke, who has spent many years working with farmers in the country, and has written a book about agriculture in Papua New Guinea, said that yesterday.

He was asked to comment on another rice policy introduced in Parliament last week by Agriculture Minister Tommy Tomscoll.

He said those who were talking about rice should make reference to his book.

“Claims are made for significant local production from time to time, but these are political statements rather than realistic estimates,” Bourke quoted from his book.

“PNG leaders accuse the former Australian colonial administration of discouraging domestic rice production in PNG to protect an important export industry in Australia.

“Since independence in 1975, plans for a domestic, import-replacement rice industry have been a feature of every government white paper on agriculture.

“Yet, since 1977 domestic rice production has never exceeded 1 per cent of the amount of rice imported.” He said now the focus was on other areas of agriculture.