IMBONGGU DDA BOOST RICE FARMING IN RURAL VILLAGES

BY JOE REMA

THE Imbonggu District Development Authority (DDA) has stepped up efforts to promote rice farming among rural communities in Kiulnil and Wangeapul villages, Southern Highlands Province.

Imbonggu DDA Chief Executive Officer Paul Kereme, accompanied by DPI adviser Simon Moya, recently visited local rice farmers to assess progress and provide support.

As part of the initiative, the DDA delivered three rice milling machines to farmers in Kiulnil and has committed to supplying an additional machine to growers in Wangeapul.

Mr Kereme urged villagers to make better use of available land, stressing that agriculture offers a reliable source of income and food security.

“I do not want to entertain people coming to my office with unnecessary claims. Money is in the land,” he said.

“For a long time, we believed rice could only be grown in countries like China, Taiwan and Singapore. We have always depended on store-bought rice, but now we can grow our own for consumption, just like other staple foods.”

In addition to the milling machines, the DDA has also provided a ploughing machine and fuel drums to support operations.

Mr Kereme said another rice milling machine would also be delivered to serve farmers in Wangeapul and Kawilenge villages.

He added that the DDA remains committed to assisting farmers within its capacity to turn idle land into productive and income-generating ventures.

Rice farming is gradually expected to expand across Imbonggu, driven by continued support from the DDA.