Alotau district

The plan includes several initiatives that aim to promote economic growth in the region, including unlocking land and resources for SME agribusiness in cocoa, coffee, cattle, poultry, and high-value coconut products.

District Administrator Lindsay Alesana made these remarks at the Naura Model Farm, outside Alotau town, on Wednesday.

During the launching of three model farms initiated by Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA) in Alotau, Alesana announced that Alotau district will sign a memorandum of understanding with FPDA so they can work in partnership to assist local farmers in the food and horticulture industry.

He said the district wants to capture the work of FPDA in its Five-Year Development Plan, so as partners they can roll it out to the rural farmers.

General Manager for Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA) Mark Worinu said this will only happen if foods and vegetables farming was given priority by local farmers.

He said the soil and climate is suitable for growing different types of foods and vegetables to supply the local market and even to other parts of the country.

Mr Worinu made these remarks after a trial farm visit to Laviam village outside the provincial capital.

He said organically grown fresh produce was the way forward for small to medium level PNG farmers.