For too long, the potential for a thriving rice industry in PNG has been a topic of discussion without fruition since 1975, says Agriculture Minister, John Boito.
Boito, made this comments during a signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the National Agricultural Research Institute of PNG (NARI) on Thursday.
He emphasised the importance of rice production agreements becoming a reality between the Philippines-based IRRI stating that rice production comes under the Marape Government’s vision for agricultural development.
“For too long, the potential for a thriving rice industry in PNG has been a topic of discussion without fruition since 1975. This time, it must be different; it must become a reality,” Minister Boito said.
Boito commend the council of NARI and DG for taking the initiative of partnering with IRRI – and organization that has championed innovative pathways assisting countries to mover from rice importers to rice exporters, countries such as Bangladesh, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia and few other African countries.
This partnership aims to explore and implement innovative agricultural practices and technologies, aiming to lay the groundwork for a sustainable and prosperous rice industry in PNG.
The agreement signifies a commitment to overcoming the challenges of the past through cooperation, research, and the shared goal of enhancing PNG’s agricultural landscape.
“The Agro-food system in PNG are based on root and tuber crops and bananas but rice has become a very important staple food that is consumed through the country,” Boito stated.
“Household in urban centres now consume primarily rice as their major staple but also in rural areas, rice consumption has substantially increased.”
He expressed frustration over constantly discussing rice when PNG still cannot produce enough to feed its population.
He said however despite numerous efforts over the years, achieving self-sufficiency in rice has remained elusive.
Boito articulated a vision for a NARI-IRRI partnership in rice research and development stating that the aim was to catalyze a transformation, shifting the country from being a major importer to achieving self-sufficiency and eventually becoming an exporter within the next seven years.
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He said he was tired of taking about rice, when we cannot grow our own rice to feed ourselves. For many years now, we can reach self-sufficiency in rice. During the Marape-Rosso government term of office, the Miniter said he wanted to see NARI-IRRI partnership in rice research and development catalyse and transform the country from mass importer to achieve self-sufficiency and exporter in the next seven years.
