19/01/2024
As the Pangu-led Goverment is advocating about commercial agriculture and downstream processing in the country, some districts are tapping into the potential of rice import substitution.
Unggai Bena District in the Eastern Highlands Province has translated the National Government's policy into reality.
Rice grown and packed locally is on sale for K3 per kilogram (KG) at shops in the province.
Forex order for rice import in the country is K800 million per year.
Commenting on the initiative, Prime Minister James Marape said: "This morning he (Unggai Bena MP) showed up in my office with rice produced in his electorate of Unggai Bena.
"Whilst many are busy about politics and worry about getting ministries, this first-term MP is an inspiration like many others in my Pangu caucus who wants to work for PNG."
"Hon Kinoka Feo told me that the rice is on self at K3 per kilo in EHP. This is a result of his DDA mobilizing village farmers with 21 tractors to go into rural agro industries. He has opened up 18 feeder district roads and is focused on service delivery. We giving more funds to districts who are at work.
"All the districts are receiving funds so ask your MPs as to what work is taking place in your district.
"Congratulations to Unggai Bena DDA for translating National Government policies in front of our people.
"If all districts produce food like this, we can replace the K1.5 billion a year of forex order for food importation. Rice alone is about K800 million," PM Marape said.