By Vicky Baunke EHP
Papua New Guinea must shift agricultural research from producing knowledge to delivering practical results for farmers and communities, says Agriculture and Livestock Secretary Dr Sergei Bang.
Speaking at the opening of the 8th PNG Research, Science and Technology Conference at the University of Goroka this week, Dr Bang said research must make a measurable difference in people’s lives.
“The value of research is measured by the difference it makes to people,” he said.
He said the difference is seen when farmers achieve better yields, small businesses process quality products, young people find opportunities in agriculture, and families gain better nutrition and income.
Dr Bang said PNG is not short of knowledge, with farmers holding generations of experience and institutions generating new findings. The challenge is turning that knowledge into action.
The National Agriculture Sector Plan targets for 2033 include a K30 billion contribution to the economy, two million new jobs, 450,000 agriculture-based MSMEs, and reduced malnutrition and child stunting.
He said to achieve this PNG must improve productivity and quality, build climate resilience, cut post-harvest losses, add value locally and connect farmers to reliable markets.
He warned research must look beyond the farm gate, as poor storage, transport and handling can undermine production gains.
“If we export raw products without processing and adding value in PNG, we leave jobs, income and opportunity behind,” he said.
Dr Bang highlighted AgriConnect, launched in Goroka this year, as linking producers to markets and research to commercialization.
He stressed government alone cannot transform the sector, calling for stronger partnerships between government, universities, provinces, commodity agencies, industry, development partners and producers.
The National Agricultural Research System must unite research, education, extension and innovation, he said, adding transformation cannot rest on NARI alone.
The three-day conference, themed “Refocusing Science, Technology, and Innovation for Inclusive Growth, Prosperity for the Future,” will end today.
