Agriculture secretary hails govt commitment

Agriculture and Livestock Secretary, Dr Vele Pat Ila’ava, has commended the Government for making agriculture its key economic driver.

“I think the Government has finally got it right because in the last 30 years, we have been investing in mining and LNG but nothing was happening.    

“I thank this Government for putting agriculture as number one economic priority,” Dr Vele said.

Dr Vele revealed that in the Alotau Accord II, the Government prioritised agriculture, tourism and infrastructure compared to the previous term where the Government placed emphasis on education, health and infrastructure. 

He added that the O’Neill-Abel Government is shifting focus from non-renewable (extractive industries) to renewable sector (agriculture, forestry, fisheries and tourism) as key drivers for economic recovery and prosperity.

“The Government has no money. It depends on this sector (agriculture) to make the money and drive the economy,” he said.

Agriculture Minister Benny Allen earlier said the agriculture sector can raise K15 billion annually if adequately supported with Government funding.

He said currently, the sector only gets K2 billion annually.

Author: 
Freddy Mou