Partners of the poultry industry in Papua New Guinea are welcoming a Government ban on all raw poultry products imported from Australia.
The indefinite ban was announced by Agriculture and Livestock Minister, Tommy Tomscoll, last week who says a decision was made following ongoing concerns about potential health threats.
The President of the PNG Farmers and Settlers Association says international imports meant that prices for chicken average at around $20 USD each.
Wilson Thompson says the ban will boost local production and help reduce poultry prices.
The Secretary of PNG's Poultry Industry Association, Keith Galgal, says 1 in 4 households are engaged in poultry production and the ban will support small holder farmers.
We have the means to increase or even double or triple the local production of chicken, meat and eggs and we believe that we can meet the local demand.
Keith Galgal.
