The Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) supports the Government of PNG on policy matters and priority programmes to ensure the economy is shielded against challenges and shocks threatening the country and its people.
DAL Acting Secretary Dr Nelson Simbiken said the department is presently into transition which include the creation of three additional ministries however the focus remains on improved food security and food production and support for economic growth despite multiple challenges.
Dr Simbiken said this in his World Food Day (WFD) message on October 21 2022. The annual event is observed and commemorated on October 16 however this year it fell on a Sunday and as such it was observed on October 21 in PNG. The theme for 2022 WFD was “LEAVING NO-ONE BEHIND. Better Production; Better Nutrition; Better Environment and Better Life.
Dr Simbiken said this year’s theme was very important and fundamental to social and national securities “when we ensure that we have food security and nutrition security in this country”.
This can be encapsulated into one-way forward: Transformation of our Agri-Food Systems to meet the challenges and opportunities that faces us today and into the future, he said.
‘I am mindful of our collective goal to ensure PNG’s ability to participate in activities that contribute to nation building,” Dr Simbiken added.
“The theme for this year’s World Food Day a must for everyone.
“The SDG 10 calls for the reducing inequality for all in Papua New Guinea, when it comes to Better Life.”
Dr Simbiken said over 70 per cent of PNG population are involved in agriculture, food, forestry, fisheries and land-use in one way or the other.
