03/01/2026
Farmers Urged to Reframe Perspective on Government Support in 2026
President of the Farmers and Settlers Association, Wilson Thompson, has called on farmers across Papua New Guinea to rethink their expectations of government support in 2026, urging a shift toward empowerment, contribution, and self‑reliance.
Thompson emphasized that government at all levels—national, provincial, district, and LLG—operates on five‑year development plans aligned with long‑term strategies. The 2026 budget, he explained, will be driven by activities, projects, and programs designed to improve livelihoods, expand access to public goods and services, and empower communities.
“Government plans are about empowering people, improving access to health, education, water, sanitation, communication, and economic services. But it is what individuals do—how we contribute and help others—that truly strengthens the nation,” Thompson said.
Focus on Individual Responsibility
Thompson’s message highlighted the importance of farmers and citizens taking responsibility for their own progress. He encouraged communities to:
- Support access to health and education services.
- Promote clean water, sanitation, and communication systems.
- Engage in economic services such as training, advisory support, and financial literacy.
- Utilize quality seeds and planting materials to boost agricultural productivity.
He cautioned against reliance on government handouts for personal expenses such as school fees, bride price, or compensation, stressing that public funds should be directed toward essential infrastructure and services.
Redirecting Government Resources
Thompson outlined how government funds should be prioritized:
- Purchasing vehicles and boats to deliver medicine and school supplies.
- Investing in plant and animal breeding stock.
- Deploying trainers to rural and remote communities.
- Building classrooms, roads, footbridges, and power systems.
“We must stop asking for money to plant food, run trade stores, or build houses. Government resources must serve the wider community, not individual needs,” he stated.
Strengthening Institutions and Economy
Thompson also called on law and order agencies and public servants to perform their duties without fear or favor, and without dependency on additional resources such as fuel or stationery.
He reminded farmers that GDP is built on the collective output of every citizen—from salaries and production to income earned. Taxes and government expenditure, he explained, are directly tied to this productivity.
“The more we plant—tapioca, taro, cocoa, rubber, coffee—the more we contribute to our communities, districts, provinces, and ultimately, the country,” Thompson concluded.
