Youths decry proposed rice monopoly plans

By GABRIEL LAHOC
MOROBE Lae city youths, fighting for sustainable impact projects for the unemployed in the city, are concerned about a proposed rice production monopoly in Central.
In a signed statement, chairman Vijai Kiri spoke in support of Trukai Industries, which, he said, had created employment opportunities for Papua New Guineans by helping farmers to grow quality rice that was then sold back to the company as well as employing thousands of locals directly and indirectly.
“Our youths grow rice at the back of 2-Mile to 4-Mile in Lae and are thankful that Trukai is buying our rice, but if it is forced out, how can we sustain ourselves?” Kiri said.
He predicted that going unemployed may force youths into illegal activities.
The group, which was formed at the height of the uprising in Lae, is the original petitioner and is calling on the provincial and national governments to improve opportunities for youths.
It described the Naima Agro Industry in Mekeo and Bereina as “stinky”.
“The proposed monopoly will destroy the livelihood of all Papua New Guineans when prices are inflated by 60% to 100%, and the loss of employment will be high,” it said.
“We are calling on Morobe MPs, non-governmental organisations, churches and Papua New Guineans to support us protect Trukai Industries, which has supplied us quality rice for generations,” it said.