Kupo range fresh produce supplies to farmers

Francisca Moiwo *(front right)* with FPDA Provincial Coordinator Mr. David Kaupa *(6th from front right, in green vest holding TOKITA seedling)* and the Simbu Provincial Government DPI team showing vegetable seedlings distributed to farmers *(NBC News)*

While much of Simbu continues to feel the bite of the El Nino drought, the Kupo Range Fresh produce is planting hope by distributing seedlings, tools and farming materials to its 200 registered farmers and seven cluster groups from Kundiawa-Gembogl, Kerowagi and Gumine districts yesterday.

This is the third distribution from Kupo Range Fresh produce, a lead partner of the Fresh Produce Development Agency [FPDA] in Simbu, supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development [IFAD].

Moses Gari the Acting Principal Advisor for the Division of Primary Industry [DPI] in Simbu, , commended Kupo Range for producing more farmers and creating market avenues.

David Kaupa the Provincial Coordinator for FPDA in Simbu, said Kupo Range continues to be the most impactful lead partner in the province because of its strict compliance.

“FPDA comes with high compliance. Any lead partner who complies, invests and shows discipline see positive results,” Kaupa said.

He said the PNG Government secured K54 million from IFAD in 2019 to start the project in five Highlands provinces including East New Britain and Madang for galip nut production.

In Simbu, FPDA profiled over 3,800 farming households across six districts – the highest in the country. Simbu first received K1.5 million worth of inputs during COVID-19, followed by K24 million.

A farmer shows off her seedlings received from Kupo range fresh produce *(NBC News)*

“Agriculture is a sleeping giant. The Government has not realized its potential for 50 years, thanks to IFAD. Our ancestors lived on land and survived on agriculture. It is still our steppingstone to SME, to pay school fees, hospital bills and other costs” Kaupa said.

He said FPDA continues to support farmers, including solar-powered irrigation during this El Nino period, and urged farmers to treat farming seriously.

Francisca Moiwo, Director of Kupo Range Fresh Produce said phase One was valued at K71, 000, phase two at K91, 000 and phase three at K150, 000.

“The total support from the project in three phases is K223, 000, farmers’ own input is K66, 900, bringing total volume distributed to K289, 900 to 200 farmers and seven clusters group in three districts of Simbu,” she said.

Anna representing the farmers, expressed gratitude to Kupo Range, FPDA and IFAD.

“We thank Mrs. Moiwo and Kupo Range Fresh Produce for not forgetting us small farmers. These seedlings and tools will help us grow more food and earn money for our families,” Anna said.

“Before, we gardened only for food. Now FPDA and Kupo Range have taught us to farm as a business. We will not waste this support,” she added.

Mrs. Moiwo thanked DPI, FPDA and IFAD for their continued support towards food security and farmer empowerment in Simbu.