Japan continues to support rice development in PNG

By JAMES LARAKI of NARI

THE Japanese government has been commended for its continuous support to human resource development in developing countries, including Papua New Guinea through a number of training programmes.

 The training, sponsored by the Japanese government through the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has provided vital hands-on trainings to participants in a number of fields.

Julie Sip, a research officer with National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI), who has been a beneficiary of one such training, has acknowledged JICA for facilitating the training programme, saying such training continues to provide useful skills that are beneficial to participants and to organisations they work for. 

Julie Sip having a go with a rice harvester under close supervision by a Japanese expert

Julie Sip (left) and two other participants going through hands-on training on the use of pudding machine during their training

Julie Sip (left) and two other participants going through hands-on training on the use of pudding machine during their training

She said many people had benefited from this programme and suggested that it be further strengthened and continued in the long run.

 Sip, who recently completed nine-months training on rice cultivation techniques, said she was able learn many new things in all aspects of rice research and cultivation.

“The training enabled us to learn the fundamentals of rice cultivation techniques and methods of experiments,” she said.

“We were introduced to the Japanese agriculture system and how to achieve sustainable rice cultivation.

“We were fortunate to learn the different experimental designs, observation techniques in research trials, data analysis, writing technical report and general presentation of results.”

Sip, who works with the rice and grain project of NARI, said the training was very useful as many aspects of rice production research and technology learned were applicable to PNG conditions to improve rice production.

She said it was important for us to improve rice production locally and work towards self-reliance on rice, especially in line with our efforts to improve food security in the country.

The training, undertaken at Tsukuba Science City, Ibaraki Prefecture, attracted more than 10 participants from various countries from Africa, Asia, Caribbean and the Pacific.

NARI has benefited through this training programme with many research and technical staff having attended similar training in the past.

World Bank-funded coffee and cocoa partnership project makes progress

By SOLDIER BURUKA

The World Bank-funded Productive Partnerships in Agriculture Project (PPAP) targeting coffee and cocoa sub-sectors is progressing well.

 The agriculture-based development project, aimed at improving performance and sustainability of value chains in coffee and cocoa-producing areas, thereby improving smallholder livelihoods, is a major impact project.

 Major components are institutional strengthening and industry coordination, productive partnerships, and market access infrastructure.

 The project is for six years.

 Bulk of the funding is from the World Bank and International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), with support from the Papua New Guinea government.

 The project is being introduced into the Eastern Highlands, Chimbu, Jiwaka and Western Highlands provinces for coffee, and East New Britain and Autonomous Region of Bougainville for cocoa.

 It is being implemented by the Coffee Industry Corporation and the Cocoa Board.

 A joint World Bank International Development Association (IDA) and IFAD mission recently carried out the second implementation support mission for PPAP and rated the overall implementation of the project as moderately satisfactory.

 The main objectives of the mission were to review the overall implementation progress of the PPAP and reach agreement with the implementing agencies on the 2012 work plan.

 The review mission met with relevant government agencies, provincial governments, potential PPAP lead partners, co-partners, cocoa and coffee farmers and visited all six project provinces.

 The mission’s draft findings and recommendations were discussed in a wrap-up meeting with officials from the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and National Planning and Monitoring last week.

 The draft aide-memoire was discussed and agreed upon by all parties.

 Mission leader and senior agriculture economist, Mona Sur, said she was happy with the progress made so far and urged the implementing agencies and other stakeholders to continue their positive efforts.

  She said farmers throughout the country had high expectations for the project to become successful and to bring benefits to the people.

 She also urged the agencies to conduct more awareness to keep the people informed about the importance of the project.

 Sur said the project experienced some difficulties and delays in establishing the necessary institutional and management arrangements which impacted on the overall pace of implementation and progress achieved, causing some frustration.

 However, she said the core management team was now in place and functioning, and significant efforts had been made to promote awareness of the project and a first call for proposals had been made under component two.

 While the mission recognised that there were clear opportunities for improvement and strengthening project implementation, Sur said the mission acknowledged the significant efforts of the project management to gain momentum in facilitating implementation.

 She said there was a high demand for the project from the coffee and cocoa industries, and particularly the smallholder target group with high expectations in terms of what the project may deliver.

 Sur told government officials that one of the critical issues was the importance of providing counterpart funding.

 Inadequate counterpart funding would impact on the overall level of available financing for project activities.

 Acting Department of Agriculture and Livestock secretary Dr Vele Pat Ila’ava expressed his appreciation to the implementing agencies and project management for making significant progress and assured the World Bank mission that outstanding issues would be looked into and addressed.

Garden City, Boroko

This is Garden City, Boroko, as it currently is. Twas the premier building in Port Moresby when it was opened in the late 1980s, however, the wear-and-tear of the years has taken its toll. But major private and public organisations still have their offices here, notably, EMTV.

Empowering women for development

By JAMES LARAKI

ANY hopes for women representation in the forthcoming parliament were shattered last week when the government failed to muster the required votes to pass the bill on the special reserved seats.

 It was a moment of disappointment for women leaders and supporters who have been pushing for this bill.

More disappointing was not only the outcome of vote but the conduct of many MPs who decided to walk out when the bill was being introduced.

While politicians may have their own reasons, we are of the view that such behaviour against women is not only on the political front but a clear indication of what could be happening to all fronts of development.

What is missing here is that we fail to understand that men and women are equal partners in development.

This simple truth continues to be ignored.

This scenario is also holds true for the agriculture sector, even though women have and continue to play an important role in the sector.

Representatives of PNG Women in Agriculture Development Foundation (PNGWiA) from Jiwaka province searching for useful information at the NARI Information Centre during a visit to NARI headquarters last week. - Picture by SENIORL ANZU

 In our rural areas, women contribute a significant portion of the total labour requirements for agriculture related activities.

Yet women face unnecessary restrictions on their ability to buy, sell or inherit land; open a savings account; borrow money; or sell their crops at markets.

Their ability to produce food is further hampered by a lack of access to basics requirements such as fertilisers, transport, extension services, to name a few.

We may argue that in our culture, men are head of everything and women only contribute, especially to labour.

No, this should not longer be the case and we need to move away from this mindset.

We should ask ourselves what would be the case if women enjoyed the same access to productive resources as men.

Studies have indicated that if given the same access, women could boost yield by 20 -30% and contribute to the overall agricultural output by 2.5 – 4%.

The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the UN noted that this gain in production could reduce the number of hungry people in the world by 12-17%, besides improving women’s wellbeing and income.

As farmers, agricultural workers and entrepreneurs, women form the backbone of our rural economy and yet, together with children, they remain one of the most vulnerable groups.

Limited access to education and other vital services is having an adverse impact on the lives of women, especially in rural areas and settlements.

Growing pressure on land, urban migration and stresses associated with climate change are already proving to be unfavourable to women in agriculture.

They are denied from take advantage of opportunities from new technologies and markets.

This is happening despite many policies have recognised women as equal partners in development.

 It is already a concern that gender issues are not receiving the attention they deserve and the current situation has to urgently change.

We need to address gender related issues to achieve more sustainable and broad-based agricultural growth.

We are not alone here as it is a global concern and efforts are already being made to address the issue.

International organisations such as FAO, Global Forum on Agricultural Research, Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, and many National Agricultural Research Systems are already taking initiatives to overcome the existing gaps and to face the emerging challenges of sustainable development and livelihood of resource poor smallholder farmers, especially women.

It is, therefore, timely for us to see the initiatives undertaken elsewhere and use any useful evidence to refocus our own policies, institutions and programs to empower women.

With sweeping changes in agriculture and other sectors, gender issues are becoming more important and dynamic, thus it necessary to for us to understand these issues and explore options available to enhance the capability of women who play a vital role in agriculture.

It is time for us to work together to close the gender gap and have in place workable policies and reforms to empower women in the country to improve agricultural productivity and nutrition, and reduce hunger and poverty.

We must note that our effort to achieving these is unlikely without women.

We need to do what is necessary to ensure women are empowered to play their roles in development.

There is a need to change our mindset, and accept the fact that women are important partners.

We have to learn to work together with women and value their contributions in development.

We cannot continue to ignore and walk away from these issues, as was the case in parliament last week.

Their actions are unacceptable and set a bad precedence.

 We hope their conduct was in line with their political reasoning and convenience, and not an act against our efforts to empowering women.

It is now becoming necessary for all of us; policy-makers, development professionals, and the civil society to understand the role of women in development and see how we all can work together.

We need to assess the role of women and efforts should be made to redesign policies and reforms that would empower women in the country.

My kids on their way to school today!

"Hurry up Dad, the sun's in our eyes!" That what my babies Gedi, Moasing and Jr seem to be saying to me on their way to school this morning. Enjoy the day, babies, and I love you all so much!

NBPOL posts US$275.5 million profit for 2011

NEW Britain Palm Oil Ltd, one of the largest fully-integrated industrial producers of sustainable palm oil, has recorded a profit before tax of US$275.5 million during the 2011 financial year, up 110% from US$131.2 million of the previous period, The National reports.
This was made possible by the 69% increase in revenue to US$780.1 million during the same period, from US$461.2 million of the previous year.
The higher figures for 2011was boosted by increases in volumes and higher prices for palm oil, the company said.
Among the financial highlights announced last Friday were:

• Increase in earnings per share attributable to ordinary shareholders by 134% to US$1.408, compared to US$0.602 in 2010;
• Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation). increased 88% to US$336.7 million compared to  US$179.4 million in 2010;
• Gross margin of 50% (2010: 50.6%) reflecting the impact on costs due mainly to the appreciation in the kina against the US dollar;
• Oil shipments (crude palm oil, palm kernel oil and refined oils, excluding the Liverpool refinery) up 30% to a record 592,050 tonnes as against 455,122 tonnes in 2010;
• Average selling price achieved for crude palm oil during the year was US$1,108/tonne, an increase of 30% against the achieved price of US$850/tonne in 2010;
• Net cash generated from operating activities increased 106% to US$155.3 million from US$75.3 million in the previous year.
• The group had cash holdings of US$60.1 million (and bank overdrafts of US$5.1 million) at the end 2011 with strong operating cash flows; 
• The group’s US$240 million five-year financing facility was drawn down last  April to repay the US$200 million 12-month facility taken out for the acquisition of Kula Palm Oil Ltd, with the balance for various capital projects and working capital; and
• Subsequent to period end, the board has declared a final dividend for last year of US$0.15 payable next April, which together with the interim dividend of US$0.15 paid last October, takes the full-year dividend to US$0.30

A mecca market for city residents

By MALUM NALU

Every Sunday morning in Port Moresby, starting from the crack of dawn, a long line of vehicles leaves the city.

The vehicles, with both expatriate and national passengers, are bound for the beautiful and scenic Pacific Adventist University campus at Koiari Park, 14-Mile.

The PAU is a premier Christian institution of higher learning and research in the Pacific.

The Koiari Park campus is located in a peaceful rural setting, 14 miles (21km) outside of Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, and is operated by the South Pacific Division of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

The PAU campus, part of a 48-hectare estate, is set in a beautiful environment with water-lily lakes, a wealth of bird life, well-maintained lawns and shrubs and well-chosen shade trees, making it a peaceful place not only for its residents, but also for many local and international visitors.

You will be amazed how this snake-infested wild grassland has transformed into an oasis of natural beauty, a credit to all who pioneered and who have maintained the beautiful campus, which is also known for intellectual stimulus of the study and amazing research being conducted.

 It is a real model for the Pacific!

Every Sunday morning, the PAU becomes a mecca for city residents, as they converge on the place for the popular Sunday morning market.

Here, you can find the freshest and best vegetables in this part of the world, grown either by local farmers, PAU residents and students, or the university’s farm.

Some of the crops for which PAU is well known are aibika, bananas, watermelon, honeydew, rock melon, cucumbers, lettuce, pak choi, capsicum and now rice.

Apart from the vegetables, you can have freshly-cooked tapioca cakes, Tolai aigir, sago, bananas, taro, leafy vegetables, fish, chicken and others for breakfast.

Washed down with fresh kulau (coconut) juice, and you’ll feel like royalty!

Driving into Pacific Adventist University.-All pictures by MALUM NALU

Entrace to Pacific Adventist University's Koiari Park campus

Fresh guavas, sugar cane and other fruits at Pacific Adventist University early morning Sunday market

Sunday morning market at Pacific Adventist University

Faces of Pacific Adventist University Sunday morning market

Fresh cucumbers washed down with kulau (coconut) juice at Pacific Adventist University Sunday morning market

Don't miss the fresh tapioca cakes and fish on a Sunday morning market at Pacific Adventist University! Simply the best!

Fresh guavas at Pacific Adventist University Sunday morning market

Nothing beats the fresh tapioca cakes at Pacific Adventist University on a Sunday morning

Fresh vegetables galore at Pacific Adventist University Sunday morning market

A lake scene at Pacific Adventist University this morning. The entire PAU campus is a haven for international birdwatchers, believe it or not!

Beautiful lake scene at Pacific Adventist University

Both the faculty and the student body are international in composition, which gives the market a truly international flavor, as they also partake in it.

While most students come from PNG and other Pacific Island nations such as Tonga, Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands, others have come from Africa, Australia, Pakistan, China, the Philippines, and the United States.

Last Sunday morning, I enjoyed an early morning drive up to Koiairi Park for the Sunday morning market, and the picturesque and breathtaking scenery.

The market has a life of its own, sights and sounds, delicious aromas.

The PAU has made a lot of progress in pursuing a programme of self-sufficiency in food production.

Encouraged by government programmes that stress the importance of agricultural development, PAU has increased its crop programme year-by-year.

Last Sunday, when I visited, it was veteran farm manager Knox Timothy’s last day at work before he retired after 17 years

He studied in Taiwan and had visited farms several times in Australia and New Zealand.

He grew up in Manus and learned his skills at Kabiufa and Mt Diamond, SDA institutions, which in those days were leaders in institutional food production.

“This is my last Sunday, I’m retiring,” Timothy tells me.

“The Sunday market opens at around 5am.

“It is open to the public of Port Moresby every Sunday, unless there is a problem.

“It has been going on since the school started.

“It used to be held outside the school, where Adventure Park is, but has now been moved inside.

“It’s very popular among city residents, however, I’m not sure that everyone knows about it.

“You can even have a good Sunday morning breakfast here as well!

“Right now, however, we’re in short supply because of the weather but hoping that this will be sorted out.”

Last Sunday, in my rush to get to Koiari Park, I brought only K5 – I thought it was a K50 - with me and could only drool as I walked around the market watching every second person having a nice, healthy breakfast.

Once bitten, twice shy, so I won’t make that mistake next time!

Oh, and if you plan to visit the market, makes sure you go early so you have the freshest and best.