Agriculture should not be seen as an option for those who fail to secure formal employment, or further studies.
Dr Jane Ravusiro, an expert in agribusiness and implementer of innovative agriculture for development, says children should not be made to think that agriculture is for failures.
She explained that many times parents tell their children that if they fail in school, they will be sent to the village to plant a garden.
As much as it is a threat to study hard in school, she said today more than ever agriculture remains Papua New Guinea’s economic safety net.
Agriculture and tourism remains a strong contender to transform the country, with its ability to use land and people instantly.
Speaking on making value and building exports recently, Dr Ravusiro said agriculture is a way of life for Papua New Guineans, and it should get the political and financial recognition it deserves.
She encouraged provincial governments to put resources into growing this sector, with agriculture research and infrastructure as important factors to this growth.