PNG defends limited import ban on farm produces amid fight against El Nino

The Papua New Guinea government has defended its decision on a ban of limited agricultural product imports following criticism that farmers cannot cope with increase demand as the country battles the effects of El Nino and a severe lack of infrastructure.

Critics have been saying a lack of transport and storage infrastructure for fresh fruits and vegetables has caused farmers unprepared for the increased demand.

"We have to ensure that we provide the help needed to the farmers to ensure they are ready to supply before we unplug and transfer (to domestic production)," local parliamentarian Sam Basil told reporters on Wednesday.

But PNG Youth Link chief executive Steven Kilage said the import ban would only benefit some companies who were likely to monopolize the fresh produce market.

Kilage said the only means of transport from PNG's highlands region to Port Moresby and Lae for fresh produce is by air, making it the most expensive in the world.

PNG Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Tommy Tomscoll dismissed the criticisms, saying the selected import ban is good for the farmers who have been calling for government intervention to provide market relief.

Tomscoll also defended the import ban as the country faces a severe drought and frost caused by the Pacific's El Nino weather pattern.

Tomscoll said the drought "is only for a short term but the ban is a long-term relief for the farmers in terms of markets that will become available to sell their produce."

"These are not crops that take you long to grow. They are not like coffee and cocoa, it will take you two months to grow and harvest within two months," Tomscoll said.

"Those that we did not include in the list are those that we cannot produce in quality and quantity." Endi