Agriculture Minister and Maprik MP John Simon (centre), and other guests look on.
“By 2025 PNG will cease to import rice, beef, and other food items which can be produced and processed locally.”
Prime Minister James Marape made this commitment in Goroka Town on Friday 23rd August, while officiating at the opening of Fresh Produce Development Agency’s new office complex, FPDA Haus.
While congratulating everyone involved in the project the Prime Minister urged those who use the building not to be subsumed in their offices, but to go out and spread the word about good agricultural practices.
Mr. Marape said that he had decide to postpone a meeting in Port Moresby in order to attend this event to show that he is serious about supporting the agriculture sector and organisations which prove that they have the prudent management skills required to achieve results.
Among the guests who attended the opening ceremony were Chinese Ambassador to PNG Xue Bing, government ministers, representatives from government departments and commodity boards, development partners and SME representatives.
The Board, management, and staff of FPDA were also present to witness the grand opening of the building, a dream which has taken 10 years to realise.
Mark Worinu, the General Manager of FPDA said the significance of the building was that it would help the organisation continue the good work it has been doing over the last 30 years.
“About 14,000 farmers, contacted by FPDA in 9 provinces and 32 districts supply 12,400 tons of fresh produce into major markets in PNG,” he said, adding that post-harvest losses have been reduced from 40 percent to 5 percent over the years which was a significant improvement.
Chinese Ambassador to PNG Xue Bing said in his speech that he had tried some very nice organic fruits while in Goroka, adding that China has a large population which needs food.
“We need more food and we need better food and I think PNG is in a better position to provide it,” he said.
Prime Minister James Marape noted that in addition to China, there are other markets which his government will focus on to export fresh produce from PNG.
“When our country celebrates 50 years of independence we will
no longer import foods which we can grow in the country,
and that includes rice.” Prime Minister James Marape
“We don’t want to import any food that can be grown here by 2025,” he said, adding that PNG will need to take certain steps to ensure that the country becomes a self-sustaining economy, no longer dependent on loans and foreign aid.
The Prime Minister unveiled a plaque commemorating the opening and took a tour of the building before returning to Port Moresby.