By SEPKOLIN WALNE
Goroka MP Aiye Tambua has raised concerns over the K50 million government allocation to support farmers throughout Papua New Guinea.
Mr Tambua said K50 million had been allocated in the 2026 Budget to support farmers through the Freight Subsidy Program to facilitate the movement of their produce.
He asked National Planning Minister Sir Ano Pala during Question Time in Parliament on Wednesday to confirm whether the funds have been released.
“If the funding has been released, can your department publish the list of companies that have benefited from that funding?
“If the funds are yet to be released, can you assure the farmers of this country when you will release that money?
“I am asking this question because fuel prices have risen because of the war and not only that but fertilizer too.
“Our farmers are really struggling to move their cargos from rural areas to Town,” he said.
“A lot of time, government budgets money, but it doesn’t go straight to our farmers.
“Money went to different roads and is misused inside the department,” Mr Tambua said.
Sir Ano confirmed the funds, which have not yet been released.
“The funds will be released once we receive the warrant.
” Once we get the warrant, we’ll pay the subsidizing companies that will subsidize the freight directly,” he said.