A community in Lae which is currently lacking basic government services has begun rice farming to turn their fortunes around.
The Ukapu community at Backroad have been growing rice with support from Trukai and Taiwan International Cooperation.
They have planted a hectare of the crop to start with but plan to expand.
Life is hard here. It’s an infamous hotspot for criminal activity. Safety is a major concern. There are no basic services.
But the community has taken the initiative to grow rice in order to help change the mindset of the people and generate economic activity.
They’ve only planted one hectare at this stage.
But the farm manager, Issac Ian, says with support from Trukai Industries and Taiwan International Corporation, they will continue to extend the farm.
Trukai Rice Industries have been supporting the farmers.
They have provided training and the two varieties of rice that have been planted.
Trukai Rice Development Manager, Humphrey Saese, says, the company will help farmers with a solar-powered rice mill funded by the Australian Government to process their first harvest.
