According to Minister for Agriculture and Livestock John Simon, Papua New Guinea spends over K1 billion (€240 mln) annually on fruits and vegetables that can be grown in the country.
“The country spends over K1 billion to import potatoes, onions and other vegetables. “We can save this money and Kundiawa-Gembogl could be our answer,” Simon said. He added that what was needed, was government intervention by way of setting up facilities, as well as providing seeds for farmers, so that factory door prices could be brought to farm gate.
There is also a need to encourage more people to get into farming in Kundiawa-Gembogl. Simon said there are only 5000 active farmers out of a population of about 100,000. “The story of Kundiawa-Gembogl is not a story for Kundiawa-Gembogl alone. “This is the story of Papua New Guinea, what you (Kundiawa-Gembogl) are doing is for Papua New Guinea.”
Simon said Kundiawa-Gembogl has led the way for PNG and the government will support it including securing storage spaces in Lae and Port Moresby to store fresh produce.
According to postcourier.com.pg, Simon said there is an urgent need for more people to be involved in farming to bring down PNG’s fresh produce import bill.
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