Port Moresby, 6 March 2025 – The Livestock Development Corporation (LDC) has outlined a comprehensive plan to revive Papua New Guinea’s livestock industry, aiming to reduce the country’s dependence on imported meat and position PNG as a self-sufficient producer of livestock products.
Speaking at a high-level agriculture
meeting in Port Moresby on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, officiated by Prime Minster
Hon. James Marape, LDC Managing Director Terry Koim presented the corporation’s
2025 key performance indicators, showcasing the progress made under Prime
Minister Hon. James Marape’s directive to rehabilitate cattle ranches, restock
livestock, and reclaim rundown abattoirs.
The meeting, attended by key stakeholders
in the agriculture sector, provided an opportunity for the government and
private sector representatives to discuss the future of livestock farming in
PNG and the measures needed to ensure sustainable growth.
 |
| LDC Managing Director Terry Koim making his presentation at the meeting |
Revitalising PNG’s Livestock Sector
Mr Koim outlined LDC’s journey from near
collapse to a revitalised organisation playing a crucial role in the
government’s Medium-Term Development Plan IV (MTDP IV) 2023-2027, which
prioritises domestic food production and economic self-reliance.
“LDC was once regarded as a defunct entity,
but through strategic interventions since 2020, we have reclaimed key
state-owned assets, invested in infrastructure, and implemented initiatives
that support smallholder farmers,” said Mr Koim.
He emphasised that the government’s 2020
directive was a turning point for LDC, focusing on reclamation, rehabilitation,
and restocking to increase local meat production and reduce PNG’s reliance on
expensive meat imports.
Key achievements under the
revitalisation programme include:
·
Rehabilitation of five cattle
ranches, two abattoirs, and two livestock stations
·
Restocking of 1,706 cattle,
seven buffalos, and 14 goats
·
Expansion of honeybee farming,
with 64 three-storey beehives distributed to local farmers
·
Significant investment in
modern equipment, infrastructure, and logistics
“The ultimate goal is to make PNG
self-sufficient in meat production by 2025 and beyond, ensuring that our people
have access to affordable, locally produced meat,” he added.
Empowering Smallholder Farmers: The
Sialum Cattle Buying Point
A key milestone in LDC’s efforts is the
establishment of the Sialum Cattle Buying Point in Tewai-Siassi District,
Morobe Province—a game-changing initiative that provides much-needed market
access to smallholder cattle farmers.
“For 50 years, Sialum cattle farmers
struggled to find a reliable market for their livestock. Our government’s
intervention has now created a structured supply chain that connects them
directly to processing facilities,” Mr Koim stated.
Through this initiative, LDC has ensured
that Sialum cattle farmers can transport and sell their livestock efficiently,
with logistics in place to move cattle to Erap Ranch in the Markham Valley and
other key locations.
To further support farmers, LDC signed an
MOU with the Tewai-Siassi Cattle Farmers Cooperative, providing them with:
·
K100,000 in financial
assistance
·
A utility vehicle to support
operations
“This intervention is a testament to our
commitment to empowering rural farmers and creating economic opportunities in
the livestock sector,” he added.
Reclaiming and Restoring State-Owned
Livestock Facilities
One of the major setbacks in PNG’s
livestock industry has been the deterioration and misuse of state-owned
ranches, abattoirs, and livestock stations. However, under the Marape
Government’s reforms, LDC has successfully reclaimed and rehabilitated several
key facilities, including:
·
Baiyer Cattle Ranch (Western
Highlands Province)
·
Wariman Livestock Station (East
Sepik Province)
·
Tiaba Abattoir (Central
Province), which has undergone rehabilitation and perimeter fencing
·
Kornfarm Abattoir (Western
Highlands), where eviction of illegal residents is in progress
“These properties, once neglected, are now
being transformed into fully operational facilities that will support the
growth of PNG’s livestock industry,” Mr Koim stated.
Restoring these facilities will ensure
greater meat production, job creation, and stronger economic activity in rural
areas.
Investing in Infrastructure and
Equipment
To sustain the momentum of its reforms, LDC
has made major investments in transport, infrastructure, and equipment,
including:
·
16 new vehicles for operations
nationwide
·
Two additional excavators and
one grader for land development
·
Komatsu 210 Excavator for ranch
and abattoir construction
·
Solar-powered bore water
systems to provide sustainable water supply
·
50Kva diesel generators to
ensure uninterrupted power for abattoirs and cattle stations
“Having the right infrastructure in place
is essential for the long-term growth of the livestock industry, and we are
committed to equipping our facilities with the necessary resources,” Mr Koim
explained.
Overcoming Challenges and Moving Forward
Despite significant progress, Mr Koim
acknowledged that several challenges remain, including:
·
Limited government funding and
support for large-scale expansion
·
Inadequate data collection on
livestock populations and market trends
·
Logistical difficulties in
transporting cattle across PNG’s rugged terrain
However, he remained optimistic, pointing
out that the livestock industry has enormous potential due to:
·
Rising domestic demand for meat
products
·
PNG’s vast land resources,
which provide ample space for cattle grazing
·
Favourable environmental
conditions, with no major livestock diseases threatening production
“The livestock sector is a sleeping giant
in PNG’s economy. With continued investment, partnerships, and policy support,
we can build a sustainable and thriving industry,” Mr Koim stated.
Prime Minister Marape Reaffirms
Government Support
Prime Minister Marape commended LDC’s
efforts and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening the
agriculture and livestock sectors.
“The work done by LDC is proof that we can
revive PNG’s livestock industry. My government will continue to support these
initiatives to ensure food security, job creation, and economic growth,” PM
Marape said.
He reiterated that agriculture and
livestock development remain top priorities under his administration, with
policies aimed at:
·
Boosting local production
·
Reducing imports
·
Empowering rural communities
“Our goal is clear: We want Papua New
Guinea to be self-sufficient in food production. The work of LDC is critical in
achieving this, and I urge all stakeholders to support this national agenda,”
the Prime Minister said.
A Bright Future for PNG’s Livestock
Industry
As LDC continues its push to rebuild and
expand the livestock sector, there is growing optimism that PNG can become a
major player in the Pacific’s meat production industry.
With strategic investments, international
partnerships, and strong government backing, PNG’s livestock industry is on
track to becoming a key contributor to the nation’s food security, employment,
and economic diversification.
“This is just the beginning. We have a long
way to go, but the foundations have been laid, and we are determined to make
PNG’s livestock industry a success,” Mr Koim concluded.
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