The National Government has launched the Agri-Connect in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, describing it as a landmark initiative driving the implementation of the National Agriculture Sector Plan (NSAP) 2024-2030.
The launching has reaffirmed the Marape-Rosso Government’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector.
The launch of Agri-Connect marks a significant milestone in Papua New Guinea’s agricultural transformation agenda, positioning the sector for greater productivity, market integration, and inclusive economic growth.
Minister for Agriculture John Boito described Agri-Connect as the “connective tissue” of NASP, aligning infrastructure development, reform measures, private sector engagement, and financial investment under a cohesive national strategy.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy. Through NASP and Agri-Connect, we are putting in place the structures required to unlock PNG’s potential responsibly and sustainably,” Mr Boito said.
“It is the central platform that brings together value chains, infrastructure, biosecurity systems, institutional reform, and digital innovation into one coordinated national framework.”
Minister Boito acknowledged the longstanding partnership between Papua New Guinea and the World Bank, which spanned more than five decades.
He said the World Bank had supported initiatives, including smallholder oil palm development and rural credit programs since the mid-1970s.
He highlighted the key achievements on the previous intervention such as the Productive Partnerships in Agriculture Project (PPAP) and the PNG Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification Project (PACD):
- Over 60,000 smallholder households reached, benefiting nearly half a million Papua New Guineans.
- Rehabilitation and replanting of more than 3 million cocoa trees and 7 million coffee trees nationwide.
- Nationwide mapping and counting of coconut trees in every district as of 2024.
- Cocoa production in East New Britain rebounding from 4,000 tonnes after the Cocoa Pod Borer outbreak to nearly 12,000 tonnes.
- Cocoa generating K418 million in foreign exchange in 2023, with more than 80 percent of income returning directly to farmers.
“These results demonstrate what is possible when reform, investment and farmer participation come together,” Minister Boito said.