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A team of agricultural experts from China recently visited Papua New Guinea to kickstart efforts to revitalize the nation’s agriculture sector.

The visit is part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed last year, aimed to provide valuable training and knowledge to local agriculture professionals.

PNG has been facing challenges in supporting its agriculture sector, particularly in research. Recognizing this gap, the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS) from China stepped in to help. Their delegation, consisting of six professors, held an intensive one-day “Agri-Tech” workshop in Port Moresby on Monday, June 30, 2025.

Over 20 participants from various organizations, including commodity boards, the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI), and the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, attended the workshop.

The training covered a wide range of topics, from rice cultivation and soil improvement to livestock breeding and agro-product quality management.

They also shared insights into China’s agricultural import and export standards and the growing demand for organic and sustainably produced goods.

A key takeaway for participants was the potential for PNG to access the vast Chinese market. However, as Professor Yuan Liu from JAAS’s Food Safety and Nutrition Division highlighted, all imports must meet strict World Trade Organization (WTO) and CODEX food safety standards.

In the Pacific, Vanuatu kava was approved for Export in 2023 and Fiji’s Ginger and Coconut Products.
Mr. David Tenakanai, General Manager-Technical Services at the National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA), was overwhelmed that despite agreements with China to export Agricultural produce, PNG is yet to meet the market standards. He challenged attendees and government agencies to fast-track the necessary formalities in meeting the required standards.

Dr. Nelson Simbiken, Director General of NARI, encouraged participants to make the most of the new information shared by the Chinese trainers. The MOU between NARI and JAAS outlines a collaborative effort to:

  • Conduct research and development across agricultural food value chains.
  • Develop human talent for agricultural research and innovation.
  • Establish a joint research platform for community engagement.
  • Optimize policy advocacy for agriculture.

This training is the beginning of other trainings that we will be conducted through the China Pacific Island Countries Agriculture Cooperation and Demonstration Centre.

“Through the MOU with JAAS, we will set up a Field Demonstration plot at Laloki. We have selected a site where they will be based. When they are here, they become the resource, where we will continue to feed areas that need further training.”


Rice has become a staple food in many households. The Government is now looking at the potential to increase small holder production and at the same time maximize commercial farming.

The newly created Rice and Grain Board is at the forefront of achieving this Marape Rosso Government’s dream.

The Board Chairman, Mr Koren Maso visited the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) on Tuesday (13/05/25) to discuss avenues available for NARI to assist the Rice and Grain Board.

On hand to received Mr Maso was Director General of NARI, Dr Nelson Simbiken and Deputy Director, Dr Peter Gendua.

Discussions surrounded partnerships with the research centre to achieve the Government’s ambition to increase commercial rice production, assist small holder farmers with machinery  to increase and improve yields while also looking at the potential to export seeds.

Maso visited the research site and had expert advise from Agronomist Mr Anthon Beko and Dr Gendua, who is an expert in Rice Farming and Techniques.

NARI currently has four lowland (coastal) rice varieties under research at the Momase Regional Centre.

After a tour of the rice paddies, the NARI experts explain the difference in variety, pest control, water management and the mechanisms for ploughing and harvesting using different machinery.

With technical and land support from NARI, Mr Maso hopes to reduce and over time replace rice imports.

Mr Maso assumed the role of the Chairman of the Rice and Grain Board in Dec 2023 following an NEC decision to set up the Board and prioritise the implementation of the National Rice Policy 2015-2030.

NEC Decision No. 369/2023, endorses K10 million to commence large scale commercial rice farm in PNG from the commercialization fund using NARI and Livestock Development Corporation (LDC) land for the first 2000 hectares with its regional seed banks to service 10 000 MSME rice out-growers to feed the large-scale commercial rice farm and rice mill.

An additional K1million is for the establishment of the Rice and Grain Board.

40% of the K11 million funding support is for the Seed Bank and the Out-Growers component.

Director General of NARI, Dr Nelson Simbiken said work will commence once that 40% funding is released.

“With many years of research, NARI is excited to partner with the Rice and Grain Board to take action and achieve the Government’s vision of large-scale rice production and downstream processing.”

The private sector through large scale agriculture companies and small holder farmers were praised for “holding the fort”. 

Speaking at the inaugural National Agricultural Industry Public-Private Sector Partnership Conference, Managing Director for Livestock Development Corporation Mr Terry Koim acknowledged large scale industry players for their commitment and interventions that has continued to maintain the industry. 

“I acknowledge Nuigini Tablebirds, Zenag Chicken, Ramu Agri, Duran Farm and others who persisted through often difficult situations to maintain the supply of fresh meat in the country. 

“I also acknowledge the contribution of small holder farmers, whom without any government support for the past 30 years that LDC was non-operational have managed to survive. 

“Today, we want to see how we can work with them to improve the sector. We will be having a consultation meeting in the coming weeks and we’d like to have their input in the policies that we are developing,” Koim said. 

The Livestock Development Corporation was established in 1982 by the Somare Government but operations declined in 1992 due to mismanagement and political interference. 

The Marape/Rosso Government when taking over Government in 2019 pushed for revitalization of LDC beginning with the appointment of a new Board in 2020. 

The establishment of the new Board has seen the reclaimation of over 30 000 hectares of land, reviving the cattle stocks, staff capacity building and good governance measures. 

Koim stressed the need for policy and regulatory reforms, better data collection and partnerships with private investors to support small holder farmers and develop the livestock industry. 

The National Agricultural Industry Public-Private Sector Partnership Conference was held in Lae from the 7th to the 11th of April 2025. 

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
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