Transportation of vegetables needs attention

CARE and attention are needed to ensure the safe and secure transportation by sea of farm produce and vegetables from Lae to Port Moresby, says National Planning and Monitoring Minister Sam Basil.
Basil was reacting to the discovery of rotten fruits and vegetables unloaded at Port Moresby’s Motukea wharf under the freight subsidy arrangement between the Government and Bismark Maritime Ltd.
“What has been publicised needs to be seen within the context of the Government freight subsidy which has resulted in more than 200 containers of fresh produce and vegetables being shipped to Port Moresby,” he said.
“This has resulted in abundant and affordable garden food in Port Moresby and cash for farmers in the Highlands and Morobe, re-sellers in Port Moresby – all along the supply chain.
“This is economic stimulus in practice.
“Our team is collecting data to quantify and qualify the economic impact arising from the injection of this K3 million into freight subsidy for shipping of fresh produce and vegetables.
“The responsibility to ensure fresh produce and vegetables reach Port Moresby requires responsible action and care.
“It begins with careful harvesting, packaging, transportation along the highway to, and storage in Lae.”