THE Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, John Simon has urged the people of Poroma Local Level Government in the Nipa-Kutubu district to work the land especially in potato farming so there will be an increase in local potato supply.
Minister Simon during his visit to Poroma for the launching of a potato project was stunned by the vast land mass that could be used for agriculture in the valley of Poroma and the nearby LLGs.
The launching of Poroma Potato Project which has been funded by the Southern Highlands Provincial Government in collaboration with Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA) was attended by Minister Simon who was accompanied by Minister for National Planning and Monitoring Renbo Paita, Governor William Powi, Managing Director for FPDA Mark Worinu and FPDA Board Members.
Governor Powi’s provincial government initially had allocated K10million for the seedlings, insecticides, technical advice and transportation.
FPDA technical team which has been on the ground assisting the locals have prepared six hectares of land for the planting of the sequoia potato seedlings, however two hectares of land have been used for the planting of the first batch which would be ready in three months’ time.
The Minister responsible for Agriculture and Livestock told the people of Poroma that if there was increase in local potato supply he would stop the import of potatoes from overseas.
“My Department is ready to assist with price support, create market and establish a buying point for potatoes here in Poroma that is why when I return in three months’ time for the first harvest I anticipate to see huge farm of potatoes.”
Minister Simon also discouraged the villagers that chase after royalties from oil and gas to work the land.
“Land is free and it belongs to you, make use of it while you can.”
He reiterated that changes in a village or community would only take place if we change our attitude and mindset and is the only we can fix our lives.
“Changes must place in the village and not in Port Moresby where you go and wait for handouts. If we change our village, district, province then PNG will change too.”
While thanking Governor Powi for his support, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Simon also encouraged other provincial governments to establish such programs.
Governor Powi is expected to launch two or more agriculture projects in SHP in the coming weeks.
