FARMER WALKS AWAY WITH VEHICLE FROM MVF PROGRAM

By VIcky BAUNKE

Eastern Highlands Province

ONE of the lead partners in the Market for Village farmers (MVF) project through the FPDA drove off with a brand new vehicle at only 60% of its total cost, as per the investment component of the MVF project in the country yesterday at the FPDA head office in Goroka.

The MVF project is funded by the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) and the Government of Papua New Guinea.

The project targets six provinces of PNG in activities related to the fresh produce sub-sector will be implemented in four provinces in the Highlands Region (Western Highlands, Jiwaka, Simbu and Eastern Highlands) and one province in the Momase Region, Morobe while Galip nut related activities will be implemented in East New Britain.

The Department of Agriculture and Livestock is the lead executing agency in the MVF project while the Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA) is the implementing agency for the project backed by Provincial teams composed of FPDA and district staff to support and monitor partnership development and implementation.

Speaking during the presentation FPDA MVF Project
Value Chain Manager Mr Carl Kunjil said though only a truck it symbolised investment and increase in production for many good things ahead to benefit farmers.

Sweet Potato Farmer who is also a lead partner in the MVF project is the 11th farmer to drive off with a new vehicle among others that were procured and purchased for MVF partners in WHP, Jiwaka, Simbu and Morobe according to the project.

Mr Aku Kulo and his wife who are sweet potato and carrot farmers and lead partners under the Hagereto Farmers Association incorporated of the MVF Project in Goroka.

The Hagereto farmers Association Incorporated is made up of a total of 109 farmers in the ward 1 area of Mateufa, Mimanalo LLG in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province.

Mr Kulo acknowledged the FPDA through the MVF Project and its partners for the continuous support throughout the project also including other materials and resources that has helped to elevate farmers at the village level.

He said the vehicle will contribute immensely to support farmers to transport their produce and including a cooler given by the project will help to store fresh produce.

The brand new 3 tonne NPR Isuzu Truck at a value of almost K170, 000 was purchased at the Boroko Motors at a 40% by MVF project and 60% contribution by the farmer.