Government pushes to revive agricultural research as sector targets K30 billion by 2030

The Papua New Guinea government is ramping up efforts to revive agricultural research and development, identifying it as a critical pillar to drive the agriculture sector’s ambitious goal of contributing K30 billion to the national economy by 2030.

Under the newly launched National Agriculture Sector Plan (NASP), the shift from subsistence farming to commercially viable enterprises will serve as the foundation for transforming agriculture into a high-impact economic driver.

One of the key priorities under NASP is the establishment of a National Agriculture Research Systems [NARS] Policy Framework, spearheaded by the National Agriculture Research Institute [NARI].

NARI Director General Dr. Nelson Simbiken said the absence of a clear policy outlining stakeholder roles and investment strategies has weakened agricultural research in recent decades.

“Research is key for development as it provides vital data needed by government and investors both small-scale and commercial to maximise production,” Dr. Simbiken said.

“Back in the 1970s and ’80s, investments in research and development led to the success of large-scale projects like oil palm, Ramu Sugar, and coconut production. We need to restore that focus on agricultural research.”

To operationalise NASP and develop the NARS policy, NARI is hosting a two-day technical workshop this week at its Momase Regional Centre, bringing together experts from commodity boards, provincial agriculture offices, the World Bank, and the PNG Agriculture Commercialisation and Diversification Project [PACD].

The first technical working group, led by Dr. Miok Komolong, convened last month to begin formulating solutions to policy gaps and structural challenges.

The working groups aim to craft actionable strategies around research and advocacy, commodity development, market access, and agricultural information systems.

“The workshop is a step forward in building a national framework that fosters innovation, guides investment, and supports inclusive growth in agriculture,” said Dr. Simbiken.

The initiative reflects a broader government push to modernise PNG’s agricultural landscape, positioning it as a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth over the next decade.