National plan for cabinet sanction in the new year
The final draft of the delayed National Agriculture Sector Plan [NASP] was presented to the National Executive Council [NEC] before close of business for this year.
The draft copy for NEC sanction was given by the Department of Agriculture and Livestock [DAL] early this month to Agriculture Minister Aiye Tambua.
DAL Secretary Dr Sergie Bang in an interview with this newsroom, outlined the importance of the agriculture plan to meet the national government priorities for this sector.
“National Agriculture Sector plan aligns to deliver national government Medium Term Development Plan IV, in [MTDP IV] put emphasis on agriculture commercialization and livestock development.
“This plan will look at what is given in the government Medium Term Development Plan IV action priority area and indicators that we will work towards.”
The presentation of Papua New Guinea’s MTDP IV sets the strategic policies for the Government for the medium term. The 12 Strategic Priority Areas (SPAs) as pillars for MTDP IV set the framework for all stakeholders to translate our aspirations and development vision.
1. Strategic Economic Investments
2. Connect PNG Infrastructure
3. Quality and Affordable Health Care
4. Quality Education and Skilled Human Capital
5. Rule of Law and restorative Justice
6. National Security
7. National Revenue and Public Finance Management Act
8. Digital Government, National Statistics and Public Service Governance
9. Research, Science and Technology
10. Climate Change and Natural Environment Protection
11. Population, Youth and Gender Development
12. Strategic Partnership
The agriculture secretary said “In the new year each of the sub sectors (of the agriculture and livestock sector) will do their medium term planning to align to the agriculture plan,” to meet the national government.
Dr Sergie who has occupied the office of DAL in the last three months understands that having the clear plan will contribute to the country’s medium-term goals and aspiration.
Prime Minister James Marape said “the MTDP IV has been framed to incorporate the government’s development agenda to grow the economy to K200 billion by 2030, double the country’s internal revenue, double exports revenue, and create one million new jobs.”
And standing true to their words, agriculture and other non-renewable sectors had been given over billion-Kina national budget targeted funding to move the government agenda.