PPort Moresby, 5 March 2025 — Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has credited the Department of Agriculture and its commodity divisions for achieving significant milestones in 2024, calling them foundational to Papua New Guinea’s rural economic transformation.
In a strategic briefing on 4 March, Marape met with Agriculture Minister Hon. John Boito, sector heads, and officials from Coffee, Livestock, Oil Palm, Cocoa, and Biosecurity agencies. He underscored that their work aligns with the government’s vision of a self-reliant, export-led agricultural economy.
Strong Foundations for Long-Term Growth
Marape praised the Department’s policy and planning achievements, including the launch of the National Agriculture Sector Plan 2024–2033 and a new institutional performance roadmap (2024–2028). He highlighted progressive steps toward modernising the sector: drafting key legislation—such as the National Agriculture Administration Bill and Spice Industry Policy—and implementing appraisal systems to enhance organizational efficiency.
Mobilising Investments and Global Partnerships
Despite budget constraints, the Department secured substantial international funding: US $60 million from the Asian Development Bank for food systems infrastructure and a US $350 million extension to the World Bank’s PACD project. Partnerships with FAO, IFAD, and ACIAR further strengthened efforts in soil mapping, extension services, and climate-smart agriculture.
Commodity Sector Breakdowns
Coffee & Cocoa
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Coffee yields surged by 10% since 2021; cocoa exports hit 41,000 t with K1.2 billion in revenues, 80% of which was fine-flavour produce.
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New Cocoa Extension Offices established in Kundiawa and Port Moresby.
Fresh Produce & Horticulture
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Sector valued at K3 billion, focusing on import replacement.
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6,008 farmers trained and K20.5 million invested in crops like potatoes and onions.
Livestock & Biosecurity
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Contained African Swine Fever; launched e-clearance for imports/exports; Biosecurity Bill slated for NEC submission.
Coconut
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Production jumped 16%; exports of virgin coconut oil grew 45%, earning approximately K250 million.
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Registered 16.8 million coconut trees; replanting covered 1,485 ha despite limited funding.
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Pioneered downstream processing into flour, cosmetics, and fiber.
Rubber & Spices
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Introduced rubberized asphalt roads; finalized Spice Industry Development Plan with UID support.
Rice & Grains
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Identified a K2.4 billion domestic rice market; established National Rice & Grain Board.
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NEC-approved K11 million funding pending to pilot rice projects in key provinces.
Agriculture Agenda for 2025
Marape outlined top priorities:
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Roll out NASP and establish an implementation secretariat.
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Convene National Agriculture PPP Conference in Lae (7–11 April).
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Scale up import replacement programs for staple crops.
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Finalise and operationalise key legislation and institutions such as the Biosecurity Bill, Agriculture Administration Bill, and Agriculture Investment Corporation.
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Expand coconut sector replanting, add-value products, and pursue new export markets.
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Introduce policies for women’s empowerment, agricultural digitalisation, and input tax relief.
Shaping a Sustainable Future
“Your initiatives have positioned agriculture as the backbone of our rural economy,” Prime Minister Marape affirmed. “With continued resourcing and collective effort, we can reduce food imports, expand exports, and uplift communities.”
He called on provincial governments, districts, private sector stakeholders, and development partners to align with the agriculture transformation agenda, laying a path to prosperity and food security for PNG’s rural citizens.