Category

Agriculture

Category
Agriculture

Sialum Taro Farmers Eager to Participate in Commercial Farming

By

Accessibility to market is still a major demoralizing factor for farmers in the rural areas to go commercial.

But villagers from Rebafu, one of the remotest parts of Sialum LLG, of Tewai Siasi District, Morobe Province is willing to work with the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) to find a way forward to supply local Taro to the export market.

Susan Emunare Geoba, from Rebafu paid a visit to the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) on Wednesday (22/05/25) after hearing about NARI’s interests in Taro.

She managed to bring with her, three samples, including a Yam.

From her village in Rebafu, it took her a day of walking, to reach the coast before boarding a ship to Lae.

“For the villagers, it takes about 5 to 6 hours to walk to the coast. I reside in Lae so I don’t have the same stamina to walk that fast,” giggled Susan, but added she enjoys going to the village for, free and an abundance of fresh produce.

Susan proudly boasts of the size of Taro in her village, making reference to the height of a 50cm cooking pot and about 20cm wide.

“The Taro is so heavy I managed to bring only three samples,” proudly exclaimed Susan, despite the burden of weight.

After hearing about NARI’s partnership with local Taro exporters, Susan initiated discussions with her family.

“Taro is significant in our culture. It signifies wealth and earns respect among villagers. Taro has great value in customary obligations such as Pride Price.

“Every household has a taro garden, so we have a surplus. We are willing to work with NARI to see how we can expand on the production and find a cost-effective means to transport the taro out.

“The major issues we have are road infrastructure, transport, and freight costs,” Susan optimistically revealed.

She was however glad to have an audience with the Director General of NARI Dr Nelson Simbiken and invited NARI to visit Benafu village during the peak of harvest between August and September.

Dr Simbiken acknowledged that Morobe grows some of the best taro species in the country including NARI’s Taro, NT1 through NT7.

He echoed similar concerns of road infrastructure, transport, and freight as major hindrance for commercialisation in rural areas.

“People are excited now and they want to supply taro but an issue for us is freight excess.

We want to come up with a freight subsidy scheme for Morobe Province so that we can bring taro from the outskirts of Morobe.

“We are expecting some funding assistance from the government, for freight. Once that

happens, we can be able to assist farmers like Susan who will help to meet the supply

demand,” said Simbiken.

Keep Reading
By
News

Devastation Strikes Major Fish Farm in Imbonggu District

By
Imbonggu Fish farm devastation

Imbonggu district in the Southern Highlands province has been struck by a natural disaster that has left the local community in shock.

Heavy rainfall, compounded by a small earthquake, has wreaked havoc on one of the largest inland fish farms in the Imbonggu area, which was home to an impressive six ponds, including one nearing completion.

Each pond measured 30 meters by 30 meters and housed approximately fifty thousand super tilapia, a vital resource for the community.

Mr. Anjo, the owner of the farm, expressed his devastation upon witnessing the extensive damage caused by the landslide and torrential rains.

“It’s heartbreaking to see what has happened to my farm,” he said, visibly shaken.

Imbonggu Fish Farm Devastation
Imbonggu Fish Farm Devastation
Imbonggu Fish Farm Devastation

The fish farm has not only served as a source of income for Mr. Anjo’s family but has also played a crucial role in supporting unemployed youths in the area.

Furthermore, it has contributed significantly to reducing malnutrition among women and children in the community by providing a steady supply of nutritious fish.

The loss of this vital resource has raised concerns about the future. Mr. Anjo, however, is determined to rebuild.

He stated, “I will be looking for ways to restore my farm, as it is essential for the livelihoods of many in our community.”

Despite the challenges ahead, Mr. Anjo’s resilience embodies the spirit of a community that has always found ways to overcome adversity.

As the community rallies around Mr. Anjo in his time of need, the hope remains that, through collaboration and support, the fish farm can be restored to its former glory, continuing its legacy of sustenance and empowerment.

Keep Reading
By
News

Fish Farmers in Imbonggu Call for More Training

By

Inland Fish Farming is becoming popular in the Highlands Region of Papua New Guinea with many choosing fish as an alternate source of protein aside from the usual pork or lamb.

With an increase in demand, many villagers are also venturing into the business.

Recognizing the interest, the National Fisheries Authority officers from the Kavieng Training College recently completed a two-week training on inland fish farming in Kou Village in Imbonggu, Southern Highlands Province.

James Anjo, fish farmer, standing in front of the NFA fish farm training banner.
James Anjo, Fish farmer and Chairman of Imbonggu Fish Farmers Association.

James Anjo is one of the farmers. He is also the Chairman of the Imbonggu Fish Farmers Association.

Anjo’s motivation for forming the group stemmed from the lack of financial assistance and sustainable income sources in their village.

As a fully registered organization, the Imbonggu Fish Farmers group aims to secure funding from the Southern Highlands Provincial Government and the Imbonggu District Development Authority through the Services Improvement Program Funds (SIPs).

As the newly appointed chairman of Imbonggu Fish Farmers, James Anjo has gained the support of the Imbonggu District Council President, who serves as his deputy chairman.

With hundreds of other fish farmers expressing interest in future training sessions, the NFA trainers have already compiled a list of new trainees for potential programs.

The demand for additional training underscores the enthusiasm and commitment of local residents towards enhancing their skills in fish farming.

Through the collective efforts of the group and ongoing collaboration with relevant agencies, Anjo and his fellow fish farmers are determined to secure the necessary resources to further develop their farming practices and contribute to the economic growth of their community.

Keep Reading
By
News

International Market Exposure for Village Cocoa Farmer

By

Balthazar Winjowa has never been more optimistic about his family’s future then today.

After undergoing training with the EU-STREIT PNG Programme to revive cocoa in Wanwara Village of the Turubu LLG in East Sepik Province, where he comes from, the 33 year-old says he’s life has changed completely.

Along side the materials that the EU-STREIT PNG provided, Baltazar was also privileged to undergo bud grafting training, learned proper pruning techniques and studied cocoa fermentation and processing.

“I learned how to conduct pruning and bud grafting,” he explains.
“I now train other farmers in my Village and show them how to manage their cocoa blocks.”

The training and tools started paying off.

In the first half of this year alone, Baltazar harvested 7,300 kilograms of wet beans which yielded around forty bags of dried beans.

He says that the trees just started bearing fruit and he is seeing production increase.

“With the support from STREIT, we are harvesting beans with no Cocoa Pod Borer (CPB) infestation,” He says.

The improved quality of Baltazar’s cocoa has opened new doors for him and his fellow farmers.

With the support of the programme, he had the chance to send his cocoa beans to the Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby where they were evaluated for quality.

“STREIT came to my Village and sent samples of my cocoa to Queen Emma. I got a WhatsApp message on my phone saying that I have high-quality cocoa,” he recalls with pride.

His success also led to an opportunity to meet an Overseas buyer from New Zealand.

With the help from STREIT, Baltazar was able to attend a factory presentation with Queen Emma Chocolate, where he met the lady buyer from New Zealand.

“She said if I pass the quality standard, she will visit my Village to sign a contract to supply one tonne of dried cocoa beans per year,” he says.

For Baltazar, this journey has transformed not only his business, but also his family life.

With the money that he earned from cocoa, he has been able to provide more for his family.

His eldest daughter is currently doing grade 9 at Yarapos Secondary School, and Baltazar is committed more to supporting her education.

“My formal education stopped at grade 8 and my wife went as far as grade 9 because of school fee problems,” says Baltazar.

He wants his daughter to go to a business college and return back to manage their cocoa farming as a business.

With the support of his wife, Baltazar is looking ahead to plan big for his future with his cocoa farming business.

Keep Reading
By
Agriculture

FAO Opens Cocoa Export Depot In Vanimo

By
Men offloading brown bags of cocoa from a truck at the cocoa export depot.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), as part of the EU-STREIT Program in Papua New Guinea has officially opened a Cocoa Export Market Depot in Vanimo, West Sepik Province.

This facility is the first dedicated cocoa export-oriented depot in the province.

The Cocoa Export Market Depot, with an investment of PGK1.67 million and a storage capacity of 50 metric tons, is aimed to support 20,000 farming households and enhance market access and opportunity to premium prices for their cocoa beans.

Ribbon cutting of the Cocoa Export Depot facility by Provincial Governor Tony Wouwou and representatives from FAO and EU-Streit.
Ribbon cutting of the Cocoa Export Depot facility by Provincial Governor Tony Wouwou and representatives from FAO and EU-Streit.

The depot was handed over to the Provincial Government and will be managed West Sepik Investment Limited; the business arm of the Provincial Administration of West Sepik.

The newly established Cocoa Export Market Depot is part of FAO’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of local cocoa farmers by providing proper storage, facilitating better marketing, and enabling farmers to sell their cocoa at higher prices.

This initiative also marks a significant step towards increasing sustainable production of cocoa in West Sepik.

The inauguration event saw the presence of several distinguished guests from the European Union and United Nations including Governor of West Sepik Province, Tony Wouwou.

Governor Wouwou expressed his gratitude to the European Union for funding this important facility for the people of West Sepik Province.

WSP Governor, Tony Wouwou wearing a blue print shirt with a lei around his neck, holding a mic up to his face and bunch of papers in the other at the Cocoa Export Depot launch and opening.
West Sepik Governor, Tony Wouwou.

“I commend the FAO-led EU-STREIT PNG Program for facilitating the construction and establishment of this essential facility.

“This initiative will enhance the productivity of cocoa and significantly improve the livelihoods of our cocoa farmers by providing critical marketing services here in Vanimo,” Governor Wouwou said.

Kesang Phuntsho, speaking on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator in Papua New Guinea, reaffirmed the United Nations commitment to continued collaboration with the government and local communities.

“In Papua New Guinea, cocoa ranks third among agricultural export crops, contributing approximately 14% of agricultural exports.

“The opportunities for growth are significant, and ensuring the sustainability of our achievements is crucial,” she said.

EU-STREIT PNG Program Coordinator, Ali Said Yesuf, expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the project.

“I am extremely pleased to see this initiative come to fruition. This support, provided by the EU-STREIT PNG Program, aims to enhance the cocoa value chain.

“Our objectives are to improve marketing, ensure farmers receive fair prices, and establish Vanimo as a hub for cocoa exports. This will motivate farmers and transform the economy of West Sepik.”

Keep Reading
By
Agriculture

Inspection Trip

By
China Engineers

PORT MORESBY:

A technical team from the China Machinery Engineering Corporation or CMEC arrived in Port Moresby on Sunday for a week-long inspection trip.

From the 5th to the 10th of November, they will inspect all ranches and abattoirs owned by PNG’s state-owned livestock company, Livestock Development Corporation (LDC).

The CMEC team is sent from their headquarters in Beijing, China.

The visit follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed between LDC and CMEC earlier this year as a company to company arrangement that was sanctioned by former Agriculture Minister John Simon.

Under this MOU CMEC will inspect all ranges and abattoirs in PNG and design and construct several state of the art abattoir facilities in designated sites, in line with the PNG Government’s downstream processing and food security policies.

The inspection started on Sunday afternoon at Tiaba, abattoir, 12mile, just outside the Port Moresby city.

Before inspecting the abattoir, LDC Managing Director Terry Koim took the team around the 35 hectares land to show them the potential of production if the abattoir is revived.

The engineers were amazed with the amount of land, saying with an abundance of free land, PNG has the potential to be a global exporter of cattle and China being a major beef consumer, can be it’s biggest client.

Apart from Tiaba, the Chinese delegation will also visit LDC establishments in Launakalana in Central Province, Wariman and Urimo in East Sepik, Sagalau in Madang and Baiya in Western Highlands Province.

As part of the MOU, CMEC with its vast experience in engineering design and construction of reliable power projects in well over a 100 different countries, will further assist LDC with renewable energy generation to promote commercial agriculture.

Carrying on from where the former Minister left off, Minister for Livestock Hon. Seki Agisa acknowledged Prime Minister James Marape’s visit to China last month, affirming the need for CMECs visit.

CMEC is one of China’s reputable companies entrusted to roll out vital infrastructure projects in more than 100 countries under the China “One Belt, One Road” program.

Keep Reading
By
Agriculture

Exposure Visit to Madagascar

By
Vanilla Farming

An exposure visit facilitated by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has given one model vanilla farmer in East Sepik an insight into vanilla farming in Madagascar.

Nicodemus Mainga, a model farmer from East Sepik, was amazed. Mainga said the skills and knowledge he acquired, during the visit to Madagascar was invaluable.

He said he learned a lot about how Madagascar grows its top-quality vanilla, making them the best in the world.

“This visit was super helpful for me as a farmer. Now, I can share these techniques with my fellow farmers in Papua New Guinea. So we can also make vanilla as good as Madagascar’s. It’s a win-win for us, and I’m really happy I came to visit Madagascar,” Mainga said.

The exposure visit to Madagascar was arranged and supported by the FAO. A part of the European Union-funded STREIT PNG Programme, aimed at promoting the development of vanilla value chain in Papua New Guinea.

FAO Senior Agricultural Officer, Rabi Rasaily, says the exposure visit will improve their skills in vanilla production and processing. But most importantly to formulate good governing policies, regulations and standards that protect producers, traders and exporters rights. While contributing to quality assurance to establish trust on PNG vanilla with the international buyers.

The delegation from Papua New Guinea, included senior officers from Central Government agencies. Such as the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM), the Spice Industry Board (SIB) under the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL). As well as Provincial Government and Administration Institutions.

The focal point of this journey was Sava, a region synonymous with vanilla excellence. Nestled on the northern and northeastern coast of Madagascar known as Sava.

An area that has become the epicentre of vanilla cultivation, encompassing every aspect from farming to processing and export.

Vanilla Farming

The delegation’s itinerary took them through this green expanse. Immersing themselves in the heart of the world’s leading vanilla production and export hub. A hub which accounts for approximately 80% of the global vanilla market.

The delegation was impressed by the quality of Madagascar’s vanilla product’s. As well as the strong collaboration among different stakeholders in the sector.

They also learned about the challenges and opportunities faced by the vanilla industry in Madagascar. Such as climate change, threat of pests and diseases, price volatility, quality standards, traceability, certification, and market access.

Floyd Lala, Director of the National Authorizing Officer Support Unit at DNPM, reflected on the enlightening visit. “After visiting Madagascar, I’ve gained valuable insights into their success as the world’s leading vanilla producer”, he said.

Vanilla Farming
Vanilla Farming
Keep Reading
By
Agriculture

Office for Cocoa Farmers

By
Cocoa Farmers

Cocoa farmers in the Southern Region were gifted an office space on the third floor of Monian Tower in Port Moresby.

The small office set up consists of a reception area, where cocoa farmers can wait to be served. Workstations for two officers, the manager’s office and reasonable size board room for meetings and consultations purposes.

To signify this approach, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed, between Central Provincial Government and the Cocoa Board of Papua New Guinea (CBPNG).

The Central Governor, Rufina Peter, while commending the Cocoa Board added that cocoa farming in Central Province has a massive potential for generating income and needs a collaborative effort by relevant authorities.

“I am sure with collaborative efforts with the Cocoa Board we want to add to the statistics of production cocoa in the province,” said the Governor.

Cocoa Board CEO, Jesse Anjen, said the set-up of the Regional Office marks the first agreement between the Cocoa Board and a provincial government in the Southern Region.

“I am pleased this is what has happened. What we say and what we preach must happen. We are here to assist small holders in the Central Province. Particularly the Southern Region but we must do the work for it to become a reality,” said Anjen.

A K1 Million funding was put forward by the Central Provincial Government. This is to strengthen efforts of CBPNG in pushing for exports and downstream processing.

“The thing that excites me the most is, the opening of the Cocoa Board office for Southern Region and Central Province. I congratulate the board management of Cocoa Board for this decision. To finally consider Central Province as a potential cocoa producing province,” said Governor Peter.

Meanwhile, the Central Provincial Government has been conducting trainings and other programs. Along with the Department of Agriculture and Livestock with plans to develop the sector.

A recent workshop was also held at Kwikila Station in August this year.

Keep Reading
By
Agriculture

Kandangapma Women Undergo Capacity Building Program

By
Kandangapma

38 members of the Kandangapma Women’s Business Group in Angoram took part in a capacity building program conducted through the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)-STREIT program.

The group consists of agripreneurs and business minded women, involved in fish processing and marketing, sewing and bilum making.

The first workshop, held in Angoram, centered on topics crucial for the success of MSMEs, like, group dynamics, effective leadership skills, and communication and encourages participants to assume leadership roles.

Assistant Chairlady of Kandangapma Women’s Business Group, Verjulah Mowe said she is now more aware of the different roles and responsibilities of her group members.

“I can now make a clear connection between good leadership and sound communication skills and the success of any group business,” said Mowe.

At the end of the workshop, a FAO-Thiaroye Technique (FTT) site for fish processing (fish smoking) was handed over to the Women’s Business Group.

This capacity-building opportunity had equipped these women entrepreneurs with the skills needed to manage their working capital, including the FTT, more effectively and efficiently as a group.

Patu Shang, the Gender and Youth Inclusion Specialist who took lead in the learning session said such trainings give women insight into management skills.

“When women become economically empowered through MSMEs, they gain a sense of agency, and contribute meaningfully to household incomes, thereby improving food and nutrition security, ultimately leading to a better quality of life,” said Shang.

Related: https://insidepng.com/eu-streit-program-partners-with-agri-enterprises/

Keep Reading
By
Agriculture

Mekeo Farmers Call

By
Agriculture

A local farmer in Mekeo says if agriculture has to work, implementing government agencies need to work together to see results.

Augustine Maino is a cocoa and vanilla farmer from Inaui village of Kairuku District who recently participated in a farmer’s workshop held in Mekeo.

Participants of the farmers workshop in Mekeo recently.
Augustine Maino speaking at the gathering in Mekeo recently.

“I believe that for Agriculture to work, three other bodies must also play out their functions and roles; the farmer, DAL and the Government. When these three bodies are aligned and doing their jobs, there is no excuse that Agriculture will move forward. This coupled with good managers who are honest and equipped will see a more smoother transition.” said Maino.

Michael Atuai Central Province’s Agriculture Projects Office supports the call by farmers for a joint effort from all government agencies.

“I note some of the points raised by the farmers, I thank you for this point and (Central ) Governor will be informed accordingly, I am happy when I see young leaders like Patrick Avi, its always good to see young people taking the lead in economic aspiration” said Mr. Atuai.

Michael Atuai – CentralProvince Agricultural Projects
Keep Reading
By
Pin It