Agriculture Minister Benny Allan has commended Trukai Industries for the launch of the Hamamas Rice.
The 100 percent commercial product from Morobe Province was launched by Trukai on August 16.
Minister Allan said the product supports the Government’s agenda to replace imports of rice.
He said on average, PNG imports 400,000 tonnes of rice per year, at a cost of K600 million.
The launching of the product is testament that PNG can produce its own products and minimise imports.
Minister Allan stated that under the Rice Policy of 2015-2030, it is the Government’s intention to unlock customary land for such projects.
He said this is something other provinces with the same rice growing potential can tap into.
Meanwhile, Minister Allan said exemptions have been granted to rice producers in the country to import machinery used in the production of rice.
This will allow for local commercial productions to flourish in the country.