PNG’s strive to be self-sufficient in food production by 2025
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| https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Regions-that-can-achieve-food-self-sufficiency-FSS-based-on-their-current-crop_fig2_278672527 (Regions that can achieve food self-sufficiency (FSS) based on their current crop production) |
PNG’s strive to be self-sufficient in food production by 2025
PORT MORESBY: Prime Minister James Marape wants Papua New Guinea to be self-sufficient in food production by 2025.
Is that achievable?
The Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA) is one of the country’s agro-industry driver that found a new home in Goroka.
PNG Cyber Monitor found details of the food production drive in these reports by The National:
PNG aiming to be self-sufficient in food production in 2025
THE Government wants Papua New Guinea (PNG) to be self-sufficient in food supply by 2025.
The National’s senior writer MALUM NALU looks into recent developments that are steering the country’s agro-industry to greater heights.
ON Aug 23, Prime Minister James Marape announced that his Government is allocating K200 million every year for an agriculture incubation programme to achieve food self-sufficiency for PNG by 2025.
Marape said the 50-year K10 billion programme would be launched beginning next year.
The yearly budget allocations will be parked in banks – National Development Bank or Bank South Pacific – and released as soft loans to genuine farmers after stringent background checks.
Marape said the aim was to make agriculture become a family-oriented business, thus becoming inter-generational handed down from one generation to another for families to live off their business forever. There was also another boost. A new K85 million International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) funding to be used by the Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA) to take help lift the industry to new heights.
Marape said the 50-year K10 billion programme would be launched beginning next year.
The yearly budget allocations will be parked in banks – National Development Bank or Bank South Pacific – and released as soft loans to genuine farmers after stringent background checks.
Marape said the aim was to make agriculture become a family-oriented business, thus becoming inter-generational handed down from one generation to another for families to live off their business forever. There was also another boost. A new K85 million International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) funding to be used by the Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA) to take help lift the industry to new heights.
Marape … focus on making PNG self-sufficient in food production by 2025
From Budget 2020 onwards, the Government will focus on making PNG self-sufficient in food supply, Marape says.
“We have been talking too much in the past and giving lip service to agriculture potential. My Government will give agriculture serious attention from next year onwards.
“For the record, Budget 2019 is not my budget. Budget 2020 will be my first budget that will make a difference for agriculture growth in the next five years, up to 2025,” he added. Marape urged everyone to return to agriculture “as this is where our potential is, and budget allocations will be featured prominently in this sector”.
“Eighty per cent of our people are already engaged in the agriculture sector,” he said at the opening of the K20 million FPDA Haus in Goroka on Aug 23.
“The way forward is not about just converting those who are already in this sector to be able to sustain themselves. It is also about converting them into commercial production. We want to ensure that by 2025, we no longer need to import any food that we can produce in PNG, and that includes rice.
“Every food that we can produce in this country, when our nation celebrates 50 years of independence in 2025, we do not want to import any one of them.
“Who says we can’t grow rice here? Science tells me that some of the original rice species are traditionally grown in our country.
“Our country is food-sufficient but we are still importing rice, we are still importing beef, we are still importing lamb, we are still importing goats. This must stop by 2025,” he added.
From Budget 2020 onwards, the Government will focus on making PNG self-sufficient in food supply, Marape says.
“We have been talking too much in the past and giving lip service to agriculture potential. My Government will give agriculture serious attention from next year onwards.
“For the record, Budget 2019 is not my budget. Budget 2020 will be my first budget that will make a difference for agriculture growth in the next five years, up to 2025,” he added. Marape urged everyone to return to agriculture “as this is where our potential is, and budget allocations will be featured prominently in this sector”.
“Eighty per cent of our people are already engaged in the agriculture sector,” he said at the opening of the K20 million FPDA Haus in Goroka on Aug 23.
“The way forward is not about just converting those who are already in this sector to be able to sustain themselves. It is also about converting them into commercial production. We want to ensure that by 2025, we no longer need to import any food that we can produce in PNG, and that includes rice.
“Every food that we can produce in this country, when our nation celebrates 50 years of independence in 2025, we do not want to import any one of them.
“Who says we can’t grow rice here? Science tells me that some of the original rice species are traditionally grown in our country.
“Our country is food-sufficient but we are still importing rice, we are still importing beef, we are still importing lamb, we are still importing goats. This must stop by 2025,” he added.
Chow … K85 million IFAD funding would take the fresh produce industry to new heights
FPDA chairman Fabian Chow says the opening of the FPDA Haus is “a great day for Goroka, for Eastern Highlands and for agriculture”.
“It is a landmark standing majestically in Goroka Town. It is a testament to our vision for wealth creation in PNG through the farmers of this great nation. This is also a matter of capacity-building which has been a challenge for these 30 years of our organisation. It is a passion to create wealth, one village at a time, one farm at a time,” he added.
Chow said FPDA’s achievements in 2018 showed the effectiveness of working with small-and-medium enterprises and cooperatives.
“It is this sort of work that we have brought development to the four corners of Eastern Highlands, pushing up the value chain,” he added. About 10 years ago, we had an unused depot in Kundiawa, and the Department of Agriculture and Livestock decided it should be handed over to FPDA to renovate and make it useful.
“As soon as renovations were completed, it was occupied and used immediately. We did the same to the Kainantu twin-depot.
“We have underestimated the need and use of such capacities. It is now generating income for farmers in Kainantu and Kundiawa, bringing them access to new markets through the middlemen who have the capacity to meet market demand. That capacity-building is achieved by just putting up the infrastructure,” he added.
Chow commended the people of Goroka for embracing FPDA’s presence the past 15 years.
“FPDA has just celebrated 30 years. We started with 15 years in Mt Hagen, however, we could not expand. (Former Eastern Highlands’ Governor) Mal Smith Kela gave us that chance (to move into Goroka).
“That is the story of this complex. It adds to our capacity for growth potential with our development partners from China, Australia and other nations,” Chow said, adding that the new K85 million IFAD funding would help take the fresh produce industry to new heights.
FPDA chairman Fabian Chow says the opening of the FPDA Haus is “a great day for Goroka, for Eastern Highlands and for agriculture”.
“It is a landmark standing majestically in Goroka Town. It is a testament to our vision for wealth creation in PNG through the farmers of this great nation. This is also a matter of capacity-building which has been a challenge for these 30 years of our organisation. It is a passion to create wealth, one village at a time, one farm at a time,” he added.
Chow said FPDA’s achievements in 2018 showed the effectiveness of working with small-and-medium enterprises and cooperatives.
“It is this sort of work that we have brought development to the four corners of Eastern Highlands, pushing up the value chain,” he added. About 10 years ago, we had an unused depot in Kundiawa, and the Department of Agriculture and Livestock decided it should be handed over to FPDA to renovate and make it useful.
“As soon as renovations were completed, it was occupied and used immediately. We did the same to the Kainantu twin-depot.
“We have underestimated the need and use of such capacities. It is now generating income for farmers in Kainantu and Kundiawa, bringing them access to new markets through the middlemen who have the capacity to meet market demand. That capacity-building is achieved by just putting up the infrastructure,” he added.
Chow commended the people of Goroka for embracing FPDA’s presence the past 15 years.
“FPDA has just celebrated 30 years. We started with 15 years in Mt Hagen, however, we could not expand. (Former Eastern Highlands’ Governor) Mal Smith Kela gave us that chance (to move into Goroka).
“That is the story of this complex. It adds to our capacity for growth potential with our development partners from China, Australia and other nations,” Chow said, adding that the new K85 million IFAD funding would help take the fresh produce industry to new heights.
Xu … hoped to find PNG organic food in China soon
PNG is poised to provide and export fresh organic food to China, says Chinese Ambassador Xu Bing.
“Just before coming here, I enjoyed some fruits at the hotel. The organic food is nutritious and delicious,” he added.
“China has a large population, we need food. We need more food, we need better food. I think PNG is in a position to export and help meet our demand.
“Prime Minister (James Marape), let us work together to make it happen,” he said at the opening of the FPDA Haus that was constructed by Guandong Foreign Construction Company. Xu said he hoped that one day he could find good bananas, papayas, coffee, cocoa and other fresh produce from PNG in China.
On the construction of the FPDA office complex, Xu said the contractor was a “very prominent” Chinese state-owned-enterprise”.
“It had also built University of Goroka’s student dormitories and is now building the Enga Hospital.
“We have always encouraged Chinese businesses here to be good corporate citizens, abide by the rules and regulations, respect local customs and share responsibilities,” he added.
PNG is poised to provide and export fresh organic food to China, says Chinese Ambassador Xu Bing.
“Just before coming here, I enjoyed some fruits at the hotel. The organic food is nutritious and delicious,” he added.
“China has a large population, we need food. We need more food, we need better food. I think PNG is in a position to export and help meet our demand.
“Prime Minister (James Marape), let us work together to make it happen,” he said at the opening of the FPDA Haus that was constructed by Guandong Foreign Construction Company. Xu said he hoped that one day he could find good bananas, papayas, coffee, cocoa and other fresh produce from PNG in China.
On the construction of the FPDA office complex, Xu said the contractor was a “very prominent” Chinese state-owned-enterprise”.
“It had also built University of Goroka’s student dormitories and is now building the Enga Hospital.
“We have always encouraged Chinese businesses here to be good corporate citizens, abide by the rules and regulations, respect local customs and share responsibilities,” he added.
Worinu … PNG’s horticulture industry today is worth K2.5 billion a year
FPDA general-manager Mark Worinu says PNG’s horticulture (fresh produce) industry is today worth K2.5 billion annually, making it the biggest in the agriculture sector.
“Thirty years ago, there was limited demand for new crops which were imported only for expatriates. Our local markets then were filled with indigenous crops. Today the demand for horticulture crops is enormous, boosted by population growth and economic expansion.
“Horticulture is a sub-sector dealing directly on fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, tuber crops and spices.
“We must not underestimate the potential of the horticulture industry. The inherent nature of our subsistence agriculture sector, particularly the horticulture industry, presents challenges as the industry is in the transition phase of trying to integrate into the commercial space,” he added.
Worinu said FPDA, since its inception in 1989, had played an important role behind the scene in helping rural and disadvantaged farmers.
“FPDA has been producing small-scale producers, stimulating private sector engagement with rural communities, and developing partnerships between agro-business players and small farmers. In terms of local production and imports, PNG has been importing fresh produce and plant food products due to assumptions that the local produce is of poor quality and of low volume to meet the domestic market demand.
“Studies and field experiences indicate that domestic production is adequate to reduce and replace import of crops.
“It has shown that import volume has declined by 35 per cent, from 9,200 tonnes to 6,000 tonnes. This strongly suggests that local fresh produce is dominating the domestic markets.
“Further decline in 2017 and 2018 from 5,100 tonnes to 4,700 tonnes indicate that new crops are now being aggressively produced by our farmers nationwide.
“What you actually see on the shelves, which leads to people saying that there are so many imports, is simply not true.
“What’s up in the shelves are crops that are not able to be grown in PNG soil, or we have not tried, like apples or kiwi fruit. FPDA is working with farmers to carry out trials,” he added.
Worinu said the challenges for FPDA were coordination and marketing issues.
“If we fix up the food chain and deliberately invest in cold storage facility infrastructure in strategic locations, supported by good policy initiatives, I think we can do better. We have been able to make good progress in food development programmes,” he added.
FPDA general-manager Mark Worinu says PNG’s horticulture (fresh produce) industry is today worth K2.5 billion annually, making it the biggest in the agriculture sector.
“Thirty years ago, there was limited demand for new crops which were imported only for expatriates. Our local markets then were filled with indigenous crops. Today the demand for horticulture crops is enormous, boosted by population growth and economic expansion.
“Horticulture is a sub-sector dealing directly on fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, tuber crops and spices.
“We must not underestimate the potential of the horticulture industry. The inherent nature of our subsistence agriculture sector, particularly the horticulture industry, presents challenges as the industry is in the transition phase of trying to integrate into the commercial space,” he added.
Worinu said FPDA, since its inception in 1989, had played an important role behind the scene in helping rural and disadvantaged farmers.
“FPDA has been producing small-scale producers, stimulating private sector engagement with rural communities, and developing partnerships between agro-business players and small farmers. In terms of local production and imports, PNG has been importing fresh produce and plant food products due to assumptions that the local produce is of poor quality and of low volume to meet the domestic market demand.
“Studies and field experiences indicate that domestic production is adequate to reduce and replace import of crops.
“It has shown that import volume has declined by 35 per cent, from 9,200 tonnes to 6,000 tonnes. This strongly suggests that local fresh produce is dominating the domestic markets.
“Further decline in 2017 and 2018 from 5,100 tonnes to 4,700 tonnes indicate that new crops are now being aggressively produced by our farmers nationwide.
“What you actually see on the shelves, which leads to people saying that there are so many imports, is simply not true.
“What’s up in the shelves are crops that are not able to be grown in PNG soil, or we have not tried, like apples or kiwi fruit. FPDA is working with farmers to carry out trials,” he added.
Worinu said the challenges for FPDA were coordination and marketing issues.
“If we fix up the food chain and deliberately invest in cold storage facility infrastructure in strategic locations, supported by good policy initiatives, I think we can do better. We have been able to make good progress in food development programmes,” he added.
Ame … Keep on pushing for fresh food as a valuable commodity
Goroka Member of Parliament Henry Ame said the FPDA office complex had given a much-needed facelift to the Eastern Highlands’ capital as well as help boost agriculture production.
“It is an iconic building right in the centre of Goroka. It adds to other recent developments such as the public hospital’s diagnostic centre, airport terminal, new market that is under construction, and private investments such as the recently-opened Live Lave Arcade.,” he added.
Ame commended all who played a part in the development, including former FPDA general-manager Greg Liripu and executive Mewie Launa, who have both passed away.
He also gave kudos to current general-manager Mark Worinu and his staff “for keeping the dream alive and the fire burning to realise the opening of the FPDA office complex. Fresh produce must not only be seen as a dietary supplement, but as an integral part of human development,” Ame said.
“Your (FPDA) work entails that fresh food commodity is given the due consideration and support needed to help farmers, and push for market niches that not only boost the economy, but support the livelihood of local farmers.
“Goroka and Eastern Highlands are blessed with the climate and soil for farming. It is only fitting that FPDA sets up home here, in Goroka.
“Keep on pushing for fresh food as a valuable commodity to reach new heights,” he added.
Goroka Member of Parliament Henry Ame said the FPDA office complex had given a much-needed facelift to the Eastern Highlands’ capital as well as help boost agriculture production.
“It is an iconic building right in the centre of Goroka. It adds to other recent developments such as the public hospital’s diagnostic centre, airport terminal, new market that is under construction, and private investments such as the recently-opened Live Lave Arcade.,” he added.
Ame commended all who played a part in the development, including former FPDA general-manager Greg Liripu and executive Mewie Launa, who have both passed away.
He also gave kudos to current general-manager Mark Worinu and his staff “for keeping the dream alive and the fire burning to realise the opening of the FPDA office complex. Fresh produce must not only be seen as a dietary supplement, but as an integral part of human development,” Ame said.
“Your (FPDA) work entails that fresh food commodity is given the due consideration and support needed to help farmers, and push for market niches that not only boost the economy, but support the livelihood of local farmers.
“Goroka and Eastern Highlands are blessed with the climate and soil for farming. It is only fitting that FPDA sets up home here, in Goroka.
“Keep on pushing for fresh food as a valuable commodity to reach new heights,” he added.
FPDA’s evolution
THE FPDA is a Government agency responsible for facilitating the development of the horticulture and fresh produce industry in PNG.
FPDA strives to maximise the efficiency and productivity of farmers, men and women, and others in the value chain to develop a viable and sustainable horticulture industry.
FPDA has its origins in the Marketing Fruit and Vegetable Project (MFVP) funded by the New Zealand Government in the late 1980s.
A single desk was established as a project under the Department of Agriculture & Livestock to promote marketing of fruits and vegetables.
This Public Investment Project (PIP) focuses on the collation and dissemination of market-related and technical information on fruits and vegetables.
The MFVP evolved into the Fresh Produce Development Company Limited (FPDC) and was registered under the Companies Act in 1988, starting operations in 1989.
The FPDC disseminate information on fruit and vegetable production to help PNG achieve self-sufficiency in production and processing.
In 2002 the FPDC came under the recurrent budget of the PNG Government, with operational funding support from the National Planning and Treasury Departments, and in 2005 the FPDC renamed FPDA.
FPDA’s progress in food development programmes in 2018:
FPDA strives to maximise the efficiency and productivity of farmers, men and women, and others in the value chain to develop a viable and sustainable horticulture industry.
FPDA has its origins in the Marketing Fruit and Vegetable Project (MFVP) funded by the New Zealand Government in the late 1980s.
A single desk was established as a project under the Department of Agriculture & Livestock to promote marketing of fruits and vegetables.
This Public Investment Project (PIP) focuses on the collation and dissemination of market-related and technical information on fruits and vegetables.
The MFVP evolved into the Fresh Produce Development Company Limited (FPDC) and was registered under the Companies Act in 1988, starting operations in 1989.
The FPDC disseminate information on fruit and vegetable production to help PNG achieve self-sufficiency in production and processing.
In 2002 the FPDC came under the recurrent budget of the PNG Government, with operational funding support from the National Planning and Treasury Departments, and in 2005 the FPDC renamed FPDA.
FPDA’s progress in food development programmes in 2018:
- FPDA hit above Medium Term Development Plan III (2018-2022) (MTDP III) targets with positive results expected for 2019 and beyond;
- A total participation of 6,053 household-farmers, well above MTDP III target of 5,254;
- Total production of assorted fruits and vegetables was 29,000 tonnes, exceeding the target of 19,000 tonnes;
- Total monetary value was K58 million directly going into the pockets of farmers from a target of K38 million;
- PDA worked with 39 small-medium enterprises against a target of 38;
- There was a huge reduction in post-harvest losses from an average of 40 per cent to a low six per cent;
- 14,000 farmers from nine provinces and 32 districts supplied 12,400 tonnes of fresh produce worth K29 million to major markets in PNG;
- Australia and New Zealand have continued to support institutional-strengthening programmes which have helped to develop human resources, asset and financial management systems as well as development programmes and development of a strategic plan 2010-2030; and
- Publication of regulated audited financial reports for a record 11 years.
2018 into 2019 - Completion of the iconic K20 million FPDA Haus;
- Securing part of an K85 million loan from IFAD, signing of an agreement with Oil Search Ltd and others; and
- K8.3 million approved by Australian Incentive Fund for establishment of a commercial tissue culture laboratory and training facility in Kainantu.
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