Rice farmer grateful for life changing skills

Rice farmer Gedion C. Marlow expressed gratitude to Trukai Industries for forming a life-changing partnership program with Pacific Adventist University and the University of Technology in Lae to provide training on irrigation farming.

Marlow was among 51 others farmers that attended the Smart Farming Training at PAU a week ago.

He brought six other farmers from East Sepik to attend the program, learning basic tools and techniques to transition from dryland farming to irrigation.

Mr. Marlow said the six farmers from various LLGs in East Sepik were purposely brought over to ensure they master the art of irrigated rice farming.

He said their participation in the Smart Farming Program was aimed to empower communities, boost the local economy, and ensure food security.

He was confident that the region’s climate and soil conditions are suitable for rice farming, which encouraged them to apply online and take part in the training.

"We all from the mainland and our land has enough water. That is why we believe that it's suitable for rice cultivation, and we had that confidence to apply and participate in this program," Marlow said.

The local farmer said despite the lack of funding and logitics support from the district or provincial government, he voluntarily sponsored the group.

"Because we come from specific LLG we were unable to reach out to provincial government for assistance, DDA also did not assist. I met all the cost because I believe this training will help us alot," He added.

The East Sepik locals participated in both theory and practical training with farmers from other provinces.

Afterward, they visited the PAU rice farm at 14 mile in NCD for hands-on training to deepen their understanding of irrigated rice farming.

This practical training showed them exactly what they will do when they return to their provinces to implement irrigation farming.

Trukai Industries PAU Site Manager Thomas Telu explains that this 18-week practical training will begin at the PAU rice farm and continue with inspections at the farmers' respective locations.

The program aims to train and develop local farmers to grow quality rice under irrigation conditions.

Since its inception, 358 farmers from 20 provinces have completed the training.