AGRICULTURE development in Papua New Guinea (PNG) can be traced back to nearly 40,000 years ago. Unequivocal evidence is found in the now UN heritage declared Kuk Swamp site in the Western Highlands Province. Evidence uncovered there from a 1966 archaeological research project demonstrate a high level of sophistication in cultivation through complete symmetrical drainage systems allowing drainage of wetlands for unimpeded farming of food crops including banana, taro and yam.
If this is any indication than PNG should naturally be a resilient and prosperous agriculture-based economy.
As Minister responsible for PNG Agriculture, I emphatically reiterate the Government’s unwavering policy initiatives, commitment and directive to prioritize development of the agriculture sector to strengthen it as the bedrock of the largely rural economy of the country.
In a nutshell that means a complete transformation from subsistence to commercial agriculture and a trajectory to downstream processing and value adding production through large scale profitable farming projects.
In Government we know that about 24 per cent (23,080 square kilometers) of the country is considered suitable for intensive agriculture production without major soil quality limitations.
This is comparative advantage for the country to rejuvenate the agricultural sector and position it as a cornerstone of the economy beyond extractive industries.
I am honored to provide the leadership in strengthening the agriculture sector to achieving its targeted K30 billion contribution towards the K200 billion economy for PNG, envisioned and commissioned by the Marape Government, by 2030. At the same time to also create one million jobs.
As the responsible Minister I am working closely with the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL), heads of the 11 commodity Boards and subsector agencies to ensure that the department is well equipped to meet the challenges of the future.
The Government recognizes that the agriculture sector has enormous potential and will continue to play an important role in sustaining the livelihood of the people and contribute to economic growth and national prosperity.
The government’s policy directive for the sector is to “increase cash crops, food and grain crops, fresh fruits and vegetables and livestock production by 30%.” To achieve these targets, the Ministry and DAL have strategized and aligned their focus with a goal on developing “a world class agriculture sector that is responsive to international and domestic markets for a diverse range of products by 2030.”
I again reaffirm the Government’s prioritization of agriculture commercialization, downstream processing and value adding of agriculture products. In close collaboration with my three colleague ministers; Minister for Coffee, Minister for Oil Palm, and Minister for Livestock, we aim to ensure our sector achieves the government target of contributing K30 billion in the national economy and at the same time creating 1 million jobs within the 10-year timeframe given.
The National Agriculture Sector Plan 2024-2033 captures the Government’s vision for an agriculture-based economy and aligned to the strategic goals of Vision 2050, PNG Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 and Medium Term Development Plan IV 2023-2027 (MTDP IV).
I am confident this important platform will provide you with information and resources you need to learn more about the DAL and the agriculture sector.
Thank you for your interest in the department and the sector, and I look forward to working with you to bring about positive changes in the lives of the people we serve.
Sincerely
Hon. John Boito, MP
Minister for Agriculture
Footnote
Hon. Boito is a second term Member of Parliament, who was commissioned as the Minister for Agriculture in a Marape-Rosso Government cabinet reshuffle on 19/01/2024. He is a firm believer of agriculture with actions, reflecting on his own agricultural roots. “I come from a village where agriculture sustains us. I believe that the true potential of PNG lies in the fertile lands of our villages.” Click this link for more about his Parliamentary Services and a brief Biography.
