GOVERNOR Peter, with a profound understanding of agriculture’s transformative potential, has allocated substantial funding to propel two pioneering agricultural endeavors, breathing life into the region’s economy and fostering employment opportunities.
Unveiled at the Governor’s Office on January 18th, these initiatives embody a bold vision for agricultural revitalization in the Central Province. Among them is the Yaugala Cattle Farming Project, situated in Brown River and backed by Varagadi Land Group Inc., which received a
generous infusion of K200,000. Additionally, the Bulb Onion training and demonstration plots, championed by Highlands Potato Connections in Laloki, Hiri Koiari District, received a significant boost.
Echoing Governor Peter’s unwavering commitment to agricultural resurgence, Hiri Koiari MP Keith Iduhu emphasized the need for alignment between the projects and broader regional development objectives. He underscored the projects’ potential to harness the talents of unemployed youth, laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and prosperity.
The Yaugala Cattle Farming Project, helmed by Manager Elliot Mark Yamuje, heralds a revival of cattle farming in the Central Province. With initial strides already made in procuring 30 head of cattle from Rumion Farm in Lae, Yamuje envisions expanding operations to supply beef to major projects like the Papua LNG Project. The infusion of K200,000 will bolster these ambitions, enabling the acquisition of male bulls and further expansion on prime grazing lands.
In tandem, the Bulb Onion training and demonstration plots, overseen by agricultural luminary Joshua Lumbalumba, promise to revolutionize onion cultivation in the region. Leveraging his expertise garnered from years of cultivating onions in the Highlands, Lumbalumba aims to harness Central Province’s favorable climate to produce premium bulb onions. With the establishment of training and demonstration models in Laloki and 14 Mile, aspiring farmers will have the opportunity to learn best practices and propagate onion cultivation across the province.
Governor Peter’s strategic vision extends beyond mere agricultural production; it encompasses capacity-building, knowledge-sharing, and community empowerment. By fostering a culture of agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship, the Central Province aims to position itself as a hub of agri-excellence, driving economic growth and self-sufficiency.
The significance of these initiatives reverberates far beyond the boundaries of the Central Province. They symbolize a renaissance of Papua New Guinea’s agricultural sector, breathing new life into rural communities and unlocking untapped potential. As Governor Peter’s vision takes root, it is poised to catalyze a broader agricultural renaissance, ushering in an era of prosperity and opportunity for all Papua New Guineans.
Led by Governor Rufina Peter, the province is charting a new course towards economic prosperity through strategic investments in agriculture. With a keen understanding of the sector’s pivotal role in driving sustainable development, Governor Peter’s initiatives mark a watershed moment in Papua New Guinea’s agricultural landscape.
At the heart of this agricultural renaissance lie two transformative projects: the Yaugala Cattle Farming Project and the Bulb Onion training and demonstration plots. These ventures, unveiled with great promise and enthusiasm, represent a paradigm shift in the region’s approach to agricultural development. They signal a departure from traditional practices towards innovation, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment.
The Yaugala Cattle Farming Project, nestled in Brown River and spearheaded by Varagadi Land Group Inc., embodies the resurgence of cattle farming in the Central Province. Under the stewardship of Manager Elliot Mark Yamuje, the project aims to breathe new life into a once-dormant sector. With the acquisition of 30 head of cattle and plans to expand operations, Yamuje envisions the project as a catalyst for economic revitalization, with aspirations to supply beef to major infrastructure projects like the Papua LNG Project. The infusion of K200,000 underscores the government’s commitment to supporting agricultural entrepreneurship and fostering rural development.
Meanwhile, the Bulb Onion training and demonstration plots, overseen by agricultural expert Joshua Lumbalumba, promise to revolutionize onion cultivation in the region. Drawing upon Lumbalumba’s wealth of experience and expertise, the project seeks to harness Central Province’s favorable climate to produce premium bulb onions. By establishing training and demonstration models in Laloki and 14 Mile, the project aims to empower
local farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the agricultural sector. Beyond mere cultivation, the project represents a beacon of hope for aspiring farmers, offering pathways to sustainable livelihoods and economic independence. Governor Peter’s visionary leadership extends beyond the realm of agriculture; it embodies a holistic approach to development that prioritizes inclusivity, sustainability, and prosperity for all.
By investing in agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship, the Central Province is laying the groundwork for long-term growth and resilience. The projects not only promise economic dividends but also serve as vehicles for social cohesion, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation.
Indeed, the significance of these initiatives extends far beyond the borders of the Central Province. They symbolize a broader shift towards a more diversified, resilient, and inclusive economy—one that harnesses the power of agriculture to drive sustainable development and improve livelihoods. As Papua New Guinea stands at a crossroads, grappling with economic challenges and environmental threats, Governor Peter’s vision offers a beacon of hope and a roadmap for the future.
However, the success of these projects hinges upon collective action and collaboration. It requires the concerted efforts of government agencies, private sector partners, civil society organizations, and local communities to ensure their success. By working together, we can unlock the full potential of agriculture as a driver of sustainable development and pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for all Papua New Guineans.