SIX-model rice farmers have begun hands on training to become commercial rice farmers through Trukai Industries’ Smart Farmer Internship Program.
These farmers commenced their three-month internship training at Trukai’s Erap Farm in Lae, Morobe Province, on January 27 and are the first batch of interns in this quarterly program, with other batches scheduled to follow in April, July, and October 2025.
In total, 24 model rice farmers will undergo this intensive training this year, equipping them with skills sets needed to venture into commercial rice farming.
This three months program covers crop management and soil preparation; farm machinery
operation and maintenance; efficient use of fertilizers, chemicals, and irrigation systems; and, seed production and post-harvest techniques.
In 2024, Trukai Industries chose the model farmers based on the following criteria:
- Attended and completed Trukai’s Smart Farmer Program having undergone two weeks on campus training and 18 weeks knowledge transfer at their own locality;
- Received a Certificate in Irrigated Rice Farming from either the PNG University of Technology in Lae or the Pacific Adventist University in Port Moresby;
- Have demonstrated that they are self-starters and have taken ownership of their farming by continuing to grow rice up to one hectare or more and have organised and led their community in this venture with the seeds they have harvested.
John Gaif, President of the Markham Smart Farmers Association and a Trukai model rice farmer, is one of the six interns from this first batch.
He described the program as an eye-opener, adding that the Smart Farmer Internship program had broaden his understanding of commercial rice farming.
Gaif also added that the internship program provided valuable knowledge and practical experience to the model farmers, helping them understand the specific steps they needed to undertake when they return to their own farms and communities.
“Many of us thought planting rice on a large-scale was just another form of farming, but we now realise that it is far more complex and costly. The internship program has exposed us to the realities of commercial farming, including the use of machinery, chemicals, and the importance of following strict crop calendars,” said Gaif.
He further emphasized his goal of working with stakeholders to expand rice farming, while at the same time include other crops as well.
Trukai Industries’ Agriculture Manager, Aina Davis, noted that the internship program provided real commercial farming exposure ensuring that participants were well equipped with knowledge and skills to operate at a larger scale.
“This internship program is a step in preparing our farmers for commercial rice production. Through hands-on training, they gain experience in land preparation, planting, crop management, harvesting, farm upkeep, and machinery maintenance. Our goal is to inspire these farmers to invest in rice farming and to adopt this as part of their livelihood and contribute to the local economy,” said Davis.
Trukai Industries CEO, Alan Preston, said that the Smart Farmer Internship Program is the next stage in the company’s broader Smart Farmer initiative, which aims to develop subsistence farmer’s transition to semi-commercial and commercial rice farmers across Papua New Guinea.
“For decades, Trukai Industries has supported local rice farming in rural communities. This program demonstrates our ongoing commitment to building capacity, fostering innovation, and ensuring a sustainable future for PNG’s rice industry. By equipping local farmers with the right skills, we aim to empower them to grow rice and create economic opportunities for their families and communities,” said Preston.
By the end of the program, participants of the Trukai Smart Farmer Internship Program will have gained valuable experience in commercial rice farming, paving the way for a stronger, more resilient local rice industry.
