University of Goroka’s Hands-On Farming Revolution
IN the heart of Papua New Guinea (PNG), a revolution is brewing. The University of Goroka, known for its academic prowess, is breaking the mold of traditional agricultural education. The university’s integrated model farm is leading the charge in this revolution, emphasizing practical farming skills over theoretical knowledge.
Heriso Gahekave, the manager of the model farm, believes in the power of hands-on learning. “Agriculture is a practical subject that requires research and innovation,” Gahekave explains. “We are encouraging our students to become real farmers, not just ‘pen and paper’ farmers.”
Since its inception in 2018, the model farm has been instrumental in producing secondary school teachers equipped with the skills to teach students about land utilization, crop cultivation, livestock raising, and practical farming techniques. The farm features horticultural crops, citrus, coffee, and livestock sectors including piggery and poultry, offering students hands-on experience in various agricultural practices.
Officers Robin Kupusili (aquaculture), Scotty Parawae (apiculture), and Simon Kunai (crops) lead their respective sections, ensuring comprehensive practical education. Gahekave emphasizes that graduates are expected to apply these skills in their teaching, fostering a generation of practical farmers. “We do research and practical agriculture with appropriate technology and locally available materials, which minimizes costs,” he adds.
By focusing on tangible farming skills, the University of Goroka is preparing its students to face real-world agricultural challenges, ensuring they contribute effectively to PNG’s agricultural sector.
Agriculture holds immense potential for
PNG, a country blessed with fertile land and a favorable climate. This sector is not only a cornerstone of the economy but also a vital source of livelihood for the majority of the population. Despite its significance, agriculture remains underdeveloped, presenting a substantial opportunity for growth and development.
Agriculture dominates PNG’s economy, accounting for approximately 25% of the GDP and providing employment to nearly 80% of the population. However, its contribution to government income is relatively modest, at around 15%. This disparity highlights the sector’s untapped potential and the need for strategic investment and support to realize its full economic benefits.
To support and encourage agricultural development, the PNG government has implemented various programs and plans. Initiatives such as the National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP) aim to modernize and diversify the agricultural sector. Additionally, programs like the Smallholder Support Services Pilot Project (SSSPP) provide technical assistance, training, and access to credit for smallholder farmers.
The government is fostering public-private partnerships to attract investment and drive innovation in agriculture. By leveraging these programs and the practical training provided by institutions like the University of Goroka, PNG can unlock the vast potential of its agricultural sector. This will not only boost the economy but also improve food security, create jobs, and enhance the overall well-being of its people. As the nation embraces modern farming techniques and sustainable practices, agriculture stands poised to become a key driver of economic growth and prosperity in PNG.
PNG’s agricultural sector plays a significant role in both its imports and exports. Agriculture contributes to the export earnings of the country, primarily through products such as coffee, cocoa, palm oil, and tropical fruits. These commodities are crucial for PNG’s export revenue, contributing substantially to foreign exchange earnings.
On the import side, PNG imports a variety of agricultural products to meet domestic demand and supplement local production. These imports often include food items, grains, and sometimes livestock products that are not sufficiently produced locally to meet consumer needs.
While specific statistical breakdowns may vary annually, agriculture remains a critical component of PNG’s trade balance, influencing both exports and imports and impacting the country’s overall economic stability. The University of Goroka’s model farm is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of PNG’s agricultural sector, one practical lesson at a time. As PNG continues to invest in its agricultural sector, the country stands on the brink of an agricultural revolution, with the University of Goroka leading the way.
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