Western province has a huge potential to develop its agriculture sector compared to other provinces in the country.
This was highlighted by the Permanent Secretary (PS) of Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Jimmie Saelea during the World Food Day (WFD) celebration in Munda last Thursday.
“The potential of agriculture in the Western province is huge and opportunities for farmers to capitalize on certain markets in the province are something that other provinces can only dream about.
“Take for example, the demand for fresh fruits and vegetables by the tourism industry, logging, and fisheries sectors here as well as demand for pork and other livestock by the fishing industry and chillie for SolTuna. These are the huge opportunities for farming families to exploit in the Western province,” Mr Saelea said.
He added the existing infrastructure in the province also played a part in developing the agriculture sector.
“These infrastructures includes the international port of Noro and Munda airport, as well as the regular shipping services,” Mr Saelea said.
Mr Saelea also highlighted the importance of working together and collaborating to develop the agriculture sector.
“This mini agriculture show attempts to bring together a range of stakeholders to showcase how they can contribute to agriculture development in the province and the nation.
“Each one of you is a building block in the development of agriculture to address rural development and economic growth therefore I urged you all to continue develop your farms since your province has the agriculture potential throughout the country,” Mr Saelea said.
By DENVER NEWTER
