The Member for Jimi Open, Wake Goi wants to see the plantations for cash crops like cocoa, coffee, and copra are revived to the state where they once were in the country during a time when the agriculture sector contributed a whole lot to Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) economic growth and development.
The member acknowledged the significance of the mining and petroleum sectors and what they can contribute to the country, but he said the focus should be given more to the agriculture sector and he appreciated what the government is doing now for this particular sector.
He stressed that striking a balance between the renewable and the non- renewable resources is the way forward.
“We must encourage our plantations to return, and we must help out with good funding support so that the farmers can get a good return from their crops,” said the member.
The member went on to say that the government’s effort to revive the agriculture sector is being complemented by its Connect PNG program.
“Thank you for connecting the missing links which Jimi shares with the border of seven electorates, at least we give priority to our roads and other infrastructures. It’s a good investment that has been made.”
He further thanked the government for the program because now it has opened up access for cash crop farmers in his electorate to access and reach better markets outside to sell their produce.
The member said this during Grievance Debate on the floor of parliament today when supporting calls to further strengthen the agriculture sector.