Use your land, Simon urges people

UNEMPLOYED people living in urban centres should return home and use their land to generate income, says Agriculture and Livestock Minister John Simon.
Last Tuesday, he attended the ground-breaking ceremony for a Coffee Industry Corporation Ltd export office in Lae.
Simon said the Government was putting money into the agriculture sector to help farmers lift their living standards in rural areas.
“For the cocoa and coffee industry, the Government is allocating funds to support farmers get the best out of their produce,” he said.
He said those working as shop assistants to foreigners and security guards should reconsider their employment.
“You have to go back to where you come from and start getting your hands dirty,” he said.
“You become your own boss and work at your own timing. But, in the end, you get twice or three times the pay you receive now.”
Simon said the cost of living in urban areas had gone up so people should to go back to their villages and use the land.
“You come and hang around doing nothing here in Lae and other centres. The Government has no money to give you,” he said.
“Till the land then the Government will assist you.”