NARI Urges PNG Farmers to Invest in Irrigation as Dry Conditions Threaten Crops

 Farmers across Papua New Guinea are being urged to secure reliable water supplies and establish irrigation systems to protect food gardens from dry weather and maintain crop production.

National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) Momase Regional Centre agronomist Rodney Aku said access to sufficient water was particularly critical during the first two weeks after planting, when young crops were developing roots and required consistent moisture to establish themselves.

NARI Urges PNG Farmers to Invest in Irrigation as Dry Conditions Threaten Crops

Aku said NARI had received requests from non-government organisations and agricultural partners seeking advice on drought-tolerant crops and ways to help farming communities prepare for prolonged dry conditions.

He warned that farmers without dependable irrigation could struggle to maintain their gardens as soil moisture declined, putting food production at risk.

However, crops such as cucumbers, pumpkins and corn could be planted again if farmers had reliable systems to supply the water needed for growth.

Aku encouraged farmers to prepare before dry conditions worsened by identifying dependable water sources and improving irrigation facilities to sustain food production.