In an empowering move for local agriculture and economic growth, Prime Minister and Treasurer Hon. James Marape has announced a significant K5 million funding to the Markham District Development Authority (DDA) in Morobe. This substantial investment is targeted at the development of the cocoa industry among other economic ventures, aligning with the surge in global cocoa prices to unprecedented levels.

The announcement was made at the Mutzing district headquarters on Friday, March 29, 2024, coinciding with the inauguration of the Markham District Administration complex and the launch of the Markham District Development Plan 2023-2027.

Addressing a large gathering at Mutzing Station, Prime Minister Marape emphasised the economic potential of local agriculture: “There is money in the villages,” he stated.

Highlighting the lucrative opportunity presented by the current cocoa market, he said, “Cocoa is now paying K1,300 per bag. God has given you land to work and make money. There is money in cocoa, corn, taro, coffee, oil palm. If you want the Government to bring in development, you too must work for your country.”

Prime Minister Marape laid out a vision for grassroots economic empowerment, suggesting that if 5,000 young men from Markham engage in agriculture, earning K10,000 each annually, it could inject K50 million into the district’s economy. He underscored the Pangu Pati Government’s commitment to boost agricultural productivity: “The Pangu Pati Government, from 2019-2024, wants you to go to your gardens, make money, and we will put money into districts that will link you to economic productivity.”

The Prime Minister encouraged active participation in agriculture: “Money is there, you are not poor, my people. Just because you are lazy, you remain poor, come back home as there is money in the land. You live along the Highlands Highway so you have no excuse to be poor.”

Prime Minister Marape, who has been a staunch advocate for agriculture since assuming office in 2019, noted the cocoa success stories from the Sepik provinces, Bougainville, and East New Britain, where locals have significantly benefited from high crop prices.

He challenged the people of Markham to embrace the example of people in these provinces, to harness the full potential of their land for substantial economic gain.