PNG Eyes Livestock Self-Sufficiency, Boosts Export Prospects

Papua New Guinea is set to cut its reliance on imported meat as the government pushes to grow the local livestock sector, Prime Minister James Marape told Parliament this week. He emphasized a strong focus on producing more locally for domestic consumption and export opportunities.

Speaking in response to a parliamentary query, Mr. Marape highlighted the country’s ongoing dependence on imported poultry, pork, and beef, calling it an avoidable drain on foreign currency.

 PNG Eyes Livestock Self-Sufficiency, Boosts Export Prospects/Photo by PNG Parliament

Deputy Speaker and Markham MP Koni Iguan raised concerns that his fertile district has the potential for extensive livestock production, questioning the role of the Livestock Development Corporation in breeding and distributing livestock to provinces pursuing local farming initiatives.

“The main idea was to promote such development programs and stop imports,” Prime Minister Marape said. “In a nation where we should not be importing poultry anymore, we should not be importing pork products anymore, or beef products, sheep products, we unfortunately continue to import since 1975.”

He noted that PNG is missing opportunities to supply not just local markets but also international ones. “Substantial amount of our currency flows out for the importation of these products, as well as produce, potentially we produce to supply to the world out there,” he said.

The Prime Minister pointed to Indonesia as a key market, with 280 million people consuming beef and other halal food products. “Next door to us… 280 million Indonesians who largely consume beef and food produced in the halal manner,” he said.

Mr. Marape said government initiatives aim to replace imports while building export capacity, and acknowledged international partners such as China for opening trade avenues. “I want to appreciate the Chinese government. They’ve now allowed us to export to China… especially food products,” he said.