The lack of a professional, dedicated fresh produce freight service, port cool chain and locating facilities is what the Agriculture Department must look at improving.
Although it is a known fact, the ban on import vegetables has now made it an issue that must be addressed with urgency, if locally produced vegetables are to be sold to major retail shops and markets around the country.
The Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA) says despite this they are going ahead with their plans to assist local farmers.
It says in the past PNG has been importing a number of fresh produce and plant food products due to assumptions that local produce is of poor quality and lower volume to meet domestic market demand.
So as a way forward it will now focus on promoting the formation of farm groups and businesses by providing tailored training and advisory services .
FPDA General Manager Mark Worinu is hoping they can get the support they need from the government.
He says they will also focus on large commercial land which can be used for farming.
Total market value of fresh produce in PNG is estimated at K2.5 billion.
Worinu said the FPDA will be working closely with local suppliers to strengthen their operation.
“We will be linking buyers with local suppliers and also facilitate consultations and dialogue with buyers and consumers," he added.