AGRICULTURE in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has a history spanning approximately 10,000 years, making it one of the oldest agricultural practices in the world. Evidence of early agriculture was discovered in the Wahgi Valley, particularly at the archaeological site of Kuk, where ancient irrigation channels and cultivation plots date back to around 8000 BC. This indicates that early inhabitants practiced sophisticated forms of wetland and dryland agriculture, growing crops such as taro, bananas, yams, and sugarcane (PNG Data)(P.N.G. Insight) .
Over the millennia, agricultural practices in PNG evolved significantly.Traditional subsistence
farming, which involves shifting cultivation and agroforestry, remains prevalent. These methods have enabled communities to adapt to the diverse and often challenging
environments across PNG’s islands and highlands (PNG Data) .
The colonial period and subsequent independence in 1975 introduced new agricultural
policies and cash crops like coffee, cocoa, and oil palm, which have become vital to PNG’s
economy. Today, agriculture employs about 80% of PNG’s population, with both subsistence
farming and commercial agriculture playing crucial roles in sustaining livelihoods and driving economic growth (ANU Press) .
In modern times, there are ongoing efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. These include initiatives to promote crop diversity, improve farming techniques, and address challenges like soil fertility and climate change. The recent national agriculture plan launched by Prime Minister Marape aims to further develop this sector, with ambitious goals to significantly increase its economic contribution by 2033 (P.N.G. Insight) .
Prime Minister James Marape recently unveiled the much-anticipated National Agriculture
Sector Plan (NASP) 2024-2033, designed to unlock Papua New Guinea’s vast agricultural
potential and empower its citizens. At a ceremony held at the Sir John Guise Indoor
Complex, attended by members of the agriculture sector from both public service and
the business community, Marape laid out a bold vision for the future.
The NASP aims to contribute K30 billion to the economy by 2033 and create one million jobs. During the launch, children dressed in traditional attire representing the 21 provinces and the special region of Bougainville symbolically presented agricultural commodities and the NASP to the Prime Minister, underscoring the plan’s inclusivity and the hope it brings for the country’s agricultural future.
Prime Minister Marape emphasized agriculture as the core policy of his Pangu party, describing it as a “sleeping economic giant” deserving undivided attention. He highlighted
the fundamental resources available in PNG, including land ownership, which facilitate the
transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture. He stressed the government’s commitment to working with the private sector to find markets for local produce.
“When I advocated for Papua New Guinea to become the richest black Christian country,
I knew we already had all the fundamental resources needed to bring this dream to fruition,”
Marape said. “This plan captures my government’s vision for an agriculture-based economy.”
Marape expressed his delight that 85% of the population would benefit from NASP investments. The plan creates a platform for local, district, provincial, and national governments, as well as private investors, to form strategic partnerships with landowners and other stakeholders to develop large-scale commercial agriculture and downstream processing. “This ensures active participation in economic development by everyone, leaving no one behind,” he said. “We will secure financial, nutritional, and food security for PNG.”
The new NASP replaces the outdated Agriculture Development Plan 2007-2016, aligning
with the strategic goals of Vision 2050, PNG DSP 2010-2030, and the latest Medium
Term Development Plan IV 2023-27. These frameworks prioritize agriculture commercialization and livestock development as cornerstones for sustainable socio-economic growth.
The NASP targets include improved food supply and security, increased income opportunities, import replacement, enhanced agriculture sector performance, job creation,
and improved quality of life. Its development stemmed from a series of consultative workshops in each of PNG’s four regions and meetings with commodity board heads and development partners.
Prime Minister Marape’s NASP launch marks a significant step towards realizing PNG’s agricultural potential, promising a transformative impact on the nation’s economy and its people’s lives.
Prime Minister James Marape’s unveiling of the National Agriculture Sector Plan (NASP)
2024-2033 sets a robust roadmap to unlock Papua New Guinea’s vast agricultural potential.
With a target of K30 billion and the creation of one million jobs by 2033, this initiative
promises a transformative impact. But is K30 billion enough to truly revolutionize agriculture
in PNG?
In modern-day PNG, agriculture remains a cornerstone of the economy. The sector benefits
from advancements in technology and education, which can significantly enhance
productivity and sustainability. The adoption of modern farming techniques, improved
seed varieties, and precision agriculture can increase yields and reduce environmental
impact. Education and training programs empower local farmers with knowledge and
skills, fostering innovation and resilience.
However, achieving the ambitious goals outlined in NASP requires more than just financial
investment. The K30 billion is a substantial start, but sustainable success hinges on
effective implementation, continuous innovation, and strong partnerships between the
government, private sector, and local communities. Infrastructure development, access to
markets, and supportive policies are crucial to ensure the plan’s success.
While the funding is significant, the true measure of success will be in how well it translates
into tangible improvements in productivity, food security, and livelihoods. With the right
approach, PNG can indeed make agriculture great again, leveraging its natural resources
and modern advancements to create a prosperous and sustainable future.
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