Caption: School children being shown analytical services provided by NARI at last year's innovation show.
By JAMES LARAKI of NARI
The PNG National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) turned 14 years old on Monday.
Fourteen years on, NARI has been in the forefront, promoting and undertaking agricultural research for sustainable development.
The institute has made dedicated contribution to innovative agricultural development in the country through scientific research, knowledge creation and information exchange.
During this short period, the institute has been recognised nationally and internationally as the leading research organisation of high development relevance to Papua New Guinea.
To commemorate its 14th anniversary, the institute is hosting an 'Agricultural Innovations Show' at the Sir Alkan Tololo Research Centre, 10 Mile – Bubia, outside Lae, tomorrow.
Director-General Dr Raghunath Ghodake said the event was organised around the theme "Investing in Innovative Agriculture for Prosperity".
Dr Gohdake said the theme reaffirmed NARI's view that progress through innovative agricultural development was essential if PNG was to realise Vision 2050 and become a wealthy and prosperous nation.
"The nation has the need, great potential and vast opportunity to prosper through innovative agriculture, and hence the focus on investing in innovative agriculture," he said.
"The theme is in line with NARI's efforts in encouraging consistent investment in agriculture, particularly in research, to develop technologies and innovations which are crucial agents in innovative agriculture and rural development.
"With the economy projected to grow at 8.5 % and the LNG and other related projects coming on stream, PNG has a more favourable environment and opportunities now than ever before for all stakeholders to make positive contribution to innovative agricultural development in general, and to research, science and technology, in particular."
Since its inception in 2007, the agricultural innovations show has become a popular annual event to recognise and value the importance of innovations in agricultural development, and create and promote awareness on the significant role of research, science and technology in innovative agricultural and rural development.
Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Paru Aihi will be the chief guest while the guest of honour will be Morobe Governor Luther Wenge.
On the occasion of the 14th anniversary, Dr Ghodake acknowledged the invaluable support from the government of PNG, AusAID, European Union, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (AVIAR) and key collaborators and partners locally and abroad.
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