Agriculture

Dr. McCarthy made this call when the Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru met with PNG diaspora and students in Auckland on Tuesday 23 April 2024.

Wantok Produce in partnership with the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) Enterprise Limited exported first 13 tons of frozen taro to New Zealand last month.

“This is the first time that PNG has exported its taro into the New Zealand market after 50 years of trying,” said Minister Maru.

  A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed yesterday in Port Moresby, for scientific and technical collaboration to promote and disseminate high yielding, climate smart and healthier rice varieties.

Agriculture Minister John Boito emphasized on the importance of rice production agreements becoming a reality during last night’s signing ceremony.

Minister Boito spoke of the significant move towards ensuring the rice industry does not echo the unfulfilled promises of the past.

Rigo Rice has offered to the state, 5000 hectares of land that will be converted to shares in this new joint venture partnership.

Prime Minister James Marape in a recent visit to the district announced at Palmalmal during the inauguration ceremony of the district's latest addition to transportation, the MV Pomio 2 passenger and cargo vessel.

Manager of the Food Security Program, Grey Tuno states that since last year with partnership from the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) they have planted and harvested taro, cassava and now rice has come into season.

The National Agriculture Research Institute says this is because their statistics and database are poorly kept.

Overcoming historical barriers of geographical isolation and technological limitations, agribusiness entrepreneurs, lead farmers, and MSMEs owners in Sepik are embracing digital platforms to expand their market reach and economic prosperity.

Home to 3,000 residents, this community, a mere three-hour drive from the Vanimo township, has become a beacon of hope and economic resurgence.

For years, Osima Village grappled with isolation, its inhabitants relying on traditional hunting and gardening for sustenance. Accessing markets in Vanimo and neighboring Indonesia posed significant challenges due to unreliable transportation.

Jeffery Osi, a village elder, vividly recalls the arduous waits for transport, even for urgent medical needs.

Rice Development Manager with Trukai Industries, Aina Davis, said the program is an ambitious one, which will see Trukai doing follow-ups by visiting the trained farmers to see how they are doing.

“Our support continues because we follow them back and we ensure that this training continues, there is knowledge transfer, and they’re part of our Smart Farmer Program, we don’t just leave them and that’s it after the training. We continue to follow up to make sure everyone is coping”, said Davis.

President Solepa remarked that the role of EHAS is to promote local farmers in their projects.

“Currently, the EHAS is just a mouthpiece for these hardworking members. But for livestock, we are planning on assisting our small farmers in documenting their projects so they can access financial assistance from their local MPs, donor agencies or the private sector,” said President Solepa.