Madang Governor, Ramsey Pariwa was part of the team that were invited to Malala area in the Almami LLG of Bogia district of Madang province to officially launch a Coconut farmers Co-operative society limited that produces white copra production in the province.
Governor Pariwa urged the Malala villagers during the launching of their coconut co-operative that agriculture is a sleeping giant and that it is the answer to taking back PNG economically.
Mr Pariwa stressed that 20% of the population are living in the towns and cities whereas 80% are living in the villages thus, if every individuals in villages across PNG go into agriculture and making use of their land he is very firm that this is the answer to boost the internal revenue of this country.
He told the farmers that they should take the first step in creating opportunities for themselves like this co-operative has done then the government shall take its next step in bringing services into their communities.
“Do not rely too much on money to start something or even asking the government to assist you with money rather start with whatever you have then money will come after it.”
“We have a responsibility in building the economy of this country, thus agriculture is the major step forward in taking back PNG in terms of increasing the internal revenue of this country.”
Governor Pariwa reiterated that they should work hard in the field of agriculture to pay more tax so that the government can make supplementary revenues to pass proper budget that can help bring bridges and roads services into their communities.
Meanwhile Chairman of the Malala coconut Farmers cooperative society limited, Jeffery Sawai said the coconut co-operative was created so that they are not being left out of the current government services.
Sawai appealed to the Malala community to work together to see the government assistance to come.
“Whether If you are vanilla or cocoa farmers I urge everyone one of us to hold hands and work together to get the support we need from the government.”
The Malala coconut Farmers cooperative is an intiative of the Locals from Malala area (Rirunat village) in partnership with Kokonas industri Koporesen (KIK) and the Bogia district to produce white copra production.
As of last year Madang exported its first ever white copra production of about 120 metric tonnes to Overseas, which Almami LLG alone produced a total of 75% out of the 120 metric tonnes of white copra that was exported.