A total of K1 million will be committed to farmers in East New Britain (ENB) province for re-planting of cash crops and to start downstream processing in the province. This funding will be co-funded by the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock and Member for Goroka, Aiye Tambua with K500, 000 along with Kokopo MP, Hereman ToBaining Jnr with another K500, 000. This commitment was revealed last week during the Minister’s visitation to the province. Speaking during the event, Minister Tambua said that ENB always set the pace and standards in terms of the government system, business system, local government system, market and other good governance systems. He also said that ENB is very privileged in terms of rich and fertile soils and growing of different commodities. “Do not take this opportunity for granted, we have to look into downstream processing of cocoa and coconut in the province. You have the capacity but need to set the supply basis.” He further stated that the government focus is on downstream processing and increase production. With that, the K500, 000 will go towards the downstream processing program. Meanwhile, he challenged Cocoa Board and Kokonas Indastri Koporesen (KIK) going forward that the money must reach the farmers to increase their production and rehabilitation of plantations. He said all the commodity sectors in the province need to step up and give the government a clear picture on where they want the government to spend money on. A visit to the province will be made again by the Minster in the near future to further negotiations with other government partners on how agriculture will benefit the people.