Unattended commodity boards worry association

The Farmers and Settlers Association has expressed concern that commodity boards have been left unattended for far too long.

“The industry agencies are operating without boards, which could be a factor in the lack of focus and governance issues,” says the association’s president, Wilson Orlegge Thompson.

“We need to get Spice and Livestock and KIK (Kokonas Industri Koporisin) boards in place. Also, we must be conscious of governance issues of boards like non-preparation of annual financial and operations report to the Auditor General and to Parliament.”

Thompson believes the effect of 2018 Budget will be seen in 2020 and onwards, as most intervention will take three years for their sector, such as the harvesting of coffee, rubber or cocoa.

“We therefore call on the Department of Personnel Management and Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) to undertake the process of appointing stakeholders to all the boards in the Ministry to move the sector forward.”

The President further pointed out that the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and Bank of PNG warned of the need to diversify and support agricultural sector.

“They have also expressed concern about declining tree crops production and export earnings over the last five years. Even with the World Bank, IFAD and EU funding of PPAP in coffee and cocoa, the production and export figures are not impressive to improve the sector.

“The DAL and the management of commodity boards must advise the Minister to appoint the various boards as their enabling legislations are still in force.”

Thompson says the existence of boards will guide the implementation of Government policies and commitment on the sector.

(Picture: Agmark PNG)

Author: 
Press release