Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA) has set up an office in the heart of Kundiawa town to continue providing extension services to farmers in Chimbu. The building was opened on the 20th of September and ended 25 years of operating in Chimbu province without an office.
Senior extension advisor for bulb onion in Chimbu, Mike John expressed relief that technical officers and farmers will now be interacting in a more formal manner and setting.
“The days when officers and farmers meet on the streets or talk over the phone to discuss farming matters comes to an end today. We’re delighted with the management of FPDA for making this decision to set up this office facility,” Mr. John said.
Senior elite seed potato technical officer and provincial coordinator for Market for Village Farmers (MVF) project, David Kaupa described the event as a significant milestone for FPDA in Chimbu.
“This office will add value to the work done by both technical officers and farmers as it will strengthen and accelerate efforts undertaken to deliver fresh produce extension services to the people of Chimbu.
“FPDA’s presence in Chimbu is enormous as it had done a lot in the last 25 years to transform Chimbu communities in the six districts,” Mr. Kaupa revealed.
He appealed to the provincial government and the district authorities to partner FPDA and bring people back to the land to live self-reliant lifestyles.
“The people of Chimbu must realize that FPDA is an important development partner and it is critical that the Chimbu government has to complement the agency’s effort in poverty alleviation, self-employment, and triggering economic activity,” Mr. Kaupa elaborated.
MVF project manager Joe Koima described the office opening as ‘that’s just one small step for us, one giant leap for the people of Chimbu’, relating it to the famous words by Neil Armstrong.
Principal advisor of DAL Chimbu Eric Gore and deputy provincial administrator field services Chris Mondo also encouraged people to fully utilize the services provided by FPDA to improve their livelihoods.