By Vasinatta Yama – EM TV News, Mt Hagen
Farmers in the Kundiawa-Gembogl Electorate in Chimbu Province now have the opportunity to sell their fresh produce overseas. This was made possible through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Kundiawa Gembolg District Development Authority, and the Fresh Produce Development Agency. Both authorities signed a four-year agreement to partner to support local farmers.
The Kundiawa-Gembogl District Development Authority (DDA) invested K3.76 million into the Fresh Produce Development Agency, to partner and support local farmers marketing their fresh produce and other cash crops to meet the demands of the agro-industry in the country and overseas.
1 Million kina was committed by the DDA for the Agency to supply seedlings, provide technical expertise to farmers, and provide logistical support and market to farmers to encourage them to grow bulb onion, coffee and Irish potato.
The Kundiawa Gembogl DDA is aiming to have in place a downstream processing centre to manufacture products locally. Kundiawa Gembogl MP, William Onglo, says huge levels of foreign exchange will be saved if PNG can produce and manufacture locally. The Fresh Produce Agency also has the mandate to work in the 89 districts of PNG.
So far Kundiawa Gembogl electorate is the third district in the country to sign an agreement to work with the Agency. However, more districts need to partner with the Fresh Produce Agency to empower locals to farm.
Onglo recently launched his Electorate’s Five Year Development Plan, focusing more on agriculture. His vision is for his people to be economically empowered to sustain their living.
