PNG Moves Closer to Rice Self-Sufficiency with Korean Farm Equipment Boost

PNG Moves Closer to Rice Self-Sufficiency with Korean Farm Equipment Boost/Photo supplied

Papua New Guinea's drive to cut rice imports has received fresh momentum with the arrival of modern agricultural machinery for the Norikori Rice Project, reinforcing efforts to increase domestic food production.

Backed by the Republic of Korea and the National Government, the investment is expected to modernise rice farming operations and help establish Norikori as a leading centre for commercial rice production in the country.

The latest equipment package includes eight tractors provided through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), alongside additional machinery financed by the Department of Agriculture and Livestock.

The handover ceremony brought together Republic of Korea Ambassador Choi Jong Ho, Agriculture Minister John Boito, Agriculture Secretary Dr Sergie Bang and National Rice and Grain Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Koren Rokas Maso.

Also attending were KOICA Country Director Jeong-Eun Song, provincial administrators, National Agricultural Research Institute Director-General Dr Nelson Simbiken, local government representatives, customary landowners and community leaders.

The partnership between Papua New Guinea and the Republic of Korea continues to focus on improving agricultural productivity, creating jobs and strengthening food security through practical investment in farming infrastructure.

Minister Boito described agriculture as a major pillar of the Government's economic strategy, saying expanding local rice production would help retain millions of kina within the country while supporting farming families.

He said the Government was moving ahead with plans to commercialise rice production nationwide and had appointed Mr Maso to oversee the expansion of the programme.

Future developments are planned for Unggai-Bena, Baiyer, Vanapa, Launakala and the Central Sepik Plains as authorities work towards increasing national rice output.

Norikori is expected to become a demonstration site where farmers from across the country can receive training in mechanised farming techniques while gaining practical experience with modern equipment.

The machinery will improve every stage of rice cultivation, from preparing fields through to harvesting and processing.

The ceremony coincided with welcome rainfall after months of dry conditions, allowing preparations to continue for rice transplanting in the coming week.

Many villagers regarded the rain as an encouraging start for the next planting season.

"Every bag of rice we produce here in Papua New Guinea represents income for our farmers, employment for our people and money that stays within our economy instead of flowing overseas through imports," Minister Boito said.

"Together we can," Ambassador Choi said.