A New Dawn for Agriculture in East Sepik

AGRICULTURE has always been the cornerstone of East Sepik’s economy, with the fertile lands, particularly along the Sepik River, supporting a diverse range of agricultural activities for centuries.

Traditional crops like sago, taro, yams, and bananas have been staples, while cocoa and coffee emerged as key cash crops during the colonial period, continuing to play a significant role in the local economy.

Historically, the agriculture sector in East Sepik has faced challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to markets, and natural disasters like the frequent flooding of the Sepik River. These issues have often stymied the development of commercial agriculture in the region.

However, recent years have seen a significant shift toward improving agricultural practices and infrastructure. The introduction of modern farming techniques, better access to markets, and government-led initiatives have started to make a difference.

The promotion of cocoa as a key export product, supported by projects like the Productive Partnerships in Agriculture Project (PPAP), has boosted productivity and improved livelihoods for local farmers.

The establishment of the Haripmo Farm hatchery represents a new phase in East Sepik’s agricultural evolution. This development is poised to diversify the region’s agricultural base by introducing poultry farming on a significant scale.

Set to launch in September, the hatchery has a capacity to produce up to 20,000 chicks per week, starting with an initial output of 5,000 chicks.

Chris Prestwood, the farm’s manager, emphasized the significant impact this will have on local farmers. “We will start with 5,000-day-old chicks by 1st September and will ramp up production to between 10,000 and 20,000 chicks weekly,” he stated. This project is expected to drastically reduce the inflated prices that residents along the Sepik River currently pay for live chickens, which can reach up to K150 per bird.

Yangoru-Saussia MP and International Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru highlighted the broader implications of this initiative: “This is very exciting news for the province as we will be able to support thousands of families in the district and the two Sepik provinces to establish village-based chicken farms.”

With orders already being placed by wholesalers in Maprik and Wewak, and plans for farm expansion next year, the initiative aims to establish chicken as a major livestock industry in the region, creating a stable supply chain for local out-growers and significantly boosting the rural

economy.

The launch of this hatchery is more than just an agricultural milestone; it represents a vital step toward economic empowerment for thousands of families in East Sepik. By producing day-old chicks locally, the region can reduce its reliance on distant suppliers, lower costs, and make poultry farming more accessible to small-scale farmers.

This initiative not only democratizes access to essential resources but also lays the foundation for a thriving village-based poultry industry capable of sustaining local economies.

However, the success of this project depends on the ability to scale production and meet the growing demand. The ambitious plan to produce up to 20,000 chicks per week must be supported by investments in infrastructure, training, and resources for out-grower farmers. Collaboration between the government and the private sector will be crucial in sustaining this growth.

This initiative also has the potential to serve as a model for other provinces in Papua New Guinea. By focusing on local production, regions can take control of their supply chains, reduce dependence on external markets, and build resilience in their agricultural sectors.

East Sepik’s hatchery project is a beacon of hope for rural development. It demonstrates that with the right vision and commitment, transformative change is possible, even in the most remote areas.

The challenge now is to maintain momentum, expand the project, and ensure that it delivers long-term benefits for the people of Sepik. If successful, this could mark the beginning of a broader agricultural renaissance in Papua New Guinea.