The production of bulb onions locally got a boosting with the support from British American Tobacco (BAT) PNG that would enable better cultivation of the crop. This after BAT PNG and Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA) signed an agreement to increase the quality and volume of bulb onions that all local farmers produce, which in turn will increase the revenues for the farmers. BAT PNG General Manager Vadim Makismenko said the signed agreement enables both organizations to work in partnership to achieve this through the supply of solar dryers to farmers in order to improve production and sales of bulb onions. “BAT will fund K1million for the construction of 50 bulb onion solar dryers across Papua New Guinea over two years,” Mr Maksimenko explained. “The FPDA will manage this fund by arranging for the construction and placement in bulb onion farming cooperatives they already work with across the country who currently supply the urban market”. “As a company, we at BAT PNG are committed to being a responsible corporate citizen and investing in initiatives that support our local communities while being compliant of the laws that regulate the tobacco industry,” he said. “BAT PNG also believes that we have a corporate social responsibility for investing in programs that support the government’s development agenda.” He said the government's goal of "Reclaiming PNG Through Agriculture" highlights the crucial role that agriculture plays in the country's food security and economic stability and for that, BAT is pleased to partner with FPDA who has experienced and credible partners in this space.