Small scale farmers of oil palm will have every reason to be happy with a promise of K250 million from the next government, which the Triumph Heritage Empowerment (THE) party is confident of forming after the election.
Opposition Leader Don Pomb Polye arrived at 10.30am today (Sunday) in Papua village of Markham district to yet another rousing welcome.
Polye travelled to the village in a chopper following the completion of his three-day campaign trail in the Eastern Highlands province.
He was there not only to endorse his candidate for Markham Open, Dr. Warima Pomuso, but to launch his election campaign as well.
Addressing locals at the village, he assured them that he would like to see the whole valley being commercialised into an agriculture zone.
He said he had earlier promised K2.1 billion for agriculture and livestock sectors.
The break-up is as follows:
1. Autonomous Region of Bougainville will get K500 million for cocoa and copra, and their stabilisation funds;
2. East New Britain will receive K500 million for cocoa and copra, and their stabilisation fund;
3. K200 million for livestock;
4.K200 million for vegetable import substitution and;
5. Upper and lower Highland regions will get K700 million for coffee.
"Where will I get K2.1 billion to fund this project? Well, I will sell off the state's 10.1 percent share in Oil Search Limited and abolish five departments and the chief secretary's position to save over K4 billion to fund these program," he told a cheering crowd.
Polye further said his key focus would be on agriculture and human development.
He stated he would simultaneously skill the majority of the youths with technical know-how to earn a living, adding the agriculture sector will absorb the graduates for employment.
"Our youths will no longer be job seekers like you see today. Looking for jobs will be a thing of the past. You must trust me on this. I will provide many opportunities for them," he said.
(Polye with his candidate for Markham, Dr. Warima Pomaso, being led to the stage today)