Last week marked the graduation of 142 Papua New Guinean farmers who attained a Certificate in Irrigated Rice Farming through SunRice Group subsidiary Trukai Industries’ Smart Farmer program.
The Smart Farmer program was established in 2022 in a five-year partnership between Trukai, the PNG University of Technology and the Pacific Adventist University.
It builds on decades of SunRice research and development in rice growing at ‘Old Coree’ in Jerilderie.
The graduation was the highlight of Trukai’s Rice Field Day held at Erap near Lae.
Trukai chair and SunRice grower director John Bradford said it showcased Trukai’s investment in rice farming and production, and a commitment to working closely with local farmers to enhance their skills in rice cultivation.
“The SunRice Group invested in PNG over 50 years ago and today our subsidiary Trukai Industries Limited boasts one of the leading consumer brands in the country, providing food security to PNG through our vitamin enriched rice products with around 70 per cent market share.
“Partnering with Trukai and the Smart Farmer Program has given us a wonderful opportunity to support the development of the domestic rice industry in PNG.
“We congratulate the graduates, the team at Trukai, and in particular rice development manager Aina Davis.
“Aina is passionate about the rice industry in PNG and has leveraged support from Rice Research Australia in terms of expertise, trial experience, research and access to internationally developed varieties that suit the climate of PNG.
“SunRice sees a strong future for the PNG rice industry and looks forward to an ongoing relationship with the Smart Farmer Program and the rice farmers it is developing.”
A rice harvest demonstration of 50 hectares was also conducted during Trukai’s Rice Field Day as part of the total 800 hectares of land allocated for commercial rice farming.
“This grain is intended to be integrated into Trukai Industries’ rice products to be distributed nationwide at the end of this year.
“Trukai Industries has one of the most extensive agricultural programs in PNG, investing millions of kina in rice research, science, technology and development for over 30 years.”