Newsletter of the PNG National Agricultural Research Institute

© NA RI Nius, Volume 20, Issue 3 Jul—Sept 2017

NARI Nius, Volume 20, Issue 3

Points of interest

Vision and Mission Statement

- Page 2

Book Review - Page10

Research Centres Contact Addresses

- Page 12

ICT application for resilient agriculture

Page 2

SATRC Independence Celebr ations

Page 6-7

Japanese researchers visit Central banana

farmers

NARI CEO represents APAARI at GFAR

meeting

Page 4

ISSN 1608-6554

of Dedicated Agricultural Research for Sustainable

Development

Communities to

benefit from solar r ice mills

N ARI and Trukai Industries Limited signed a Memo-

randum of Agreement (MOA) in August for the development of commercial rice production and analysis of the value chain in PNG.

This is a public-private partner-ship (PPP) that will see two of PNG's major agriculture-based organisations sharing knowl-edge and resources in contrib-uting to developing the coun-try’s domestic rice industry, in line with the National Rice Pol-icy 2015-2030.

NARI recognizes the importance of this PPP arrangement and has entered into this partner-ship with Trukai; firstly, to en-hance the contribution of rice research to the development of the rice industry, and secondly, as a means of revenue genera-tion through sale of rice pro-duced from NARI.

The signing of this MOA signi-fied the commencement of this collaborative project, to be im-plemented at three NARI Re-gional Centres (Bubia, Laloki and Aiyura) over five years.

NARI has identif ied rice as an important commodity suitable for small-medium holder farm-ers with the potential to contrib-ute to household and national food security and income gen-eration. While rice is a staple food in PNG, it is mostly im-ported, at 250, 000 tonnes per

year at a value of approximately K300 million. Should the ex-porting countries not be able to sell to PNG (as was experienced in the recent 2015 El Nino drought), there will be high risk to food security.

The common goals of the MOA are to contribute to increased domestic rice production and improved food security in PNG; support NARI with internal reve-nue generation; provide access to commercial volumes of suit-able quality and locally pro-duced rice to blend into Trukai products; and to undertake an economic analys is of the “Paddy to Plate” value chain, specific to PNG rice production.

The economic research into the value chain of rice production

and marketing in PNG is a key outcome for NARI. Information generated from this study will be useful to develop the coun-try’s domestic rice industry.

Based on the agreement, NARI will allocate farmland from its regional centres to produce rice; provide technical and sci-entific manpower, and provide facilities and equipment to sup-port the required collaborative rice research and commercial rice development activities.

Trukai will provide funding, seeds of recommended varie-ties, farming inputs, establis hed marketing network in PNG to distribute rice seeds and also offer to purchase paddy rice at prices reflective of global com-modity markets.

NARI - Trukai partner in commercial rice production

NARI Council Chairman Prof Chalapan Kaluwin (2nd left) shakes on the partnership with Trukai Managing Director Greg Worthington-Eyre

Page 3

Page 5

The National Agr icultur al Re-search Institute (NARI) was estab-lished by an Act of National Parlia-ment of Papua New Guinea (PNG) in July 1996 as a public funded, statu-tory research organisation, to con-duct and foster applied and adaptive research into:

i) any b ranch of biological, physical and natural sciences related to agri-culture;

ii) cultural and socioeconomic as-pects of the agricultural sector, espe-cially of the smallholder agriculture; and

iii) matters relating to ru ral develop-ment. and of relevance to Papua New Guinea.

Besides, NARI is responsible for providing technical, analytical, diag-nostic and advisory services and up-to-date information to the agriculture sector in PNG.

The Institute’s purpose (strategic objective) is to accomplish enhanced productivity, efficiency, stability and sustainability of the smallholder agriculture sector in the country so as to contribute to the improved welfare of rural families and commu-nities who depend wholly or partly on agriculture for their livelihoods. This is intended to be accomplished through NARI’s mission of p romoting innovative agricultural development in Papua New Guinea through scien-tific research, knowledge creation and information ex change.

In its vision for PNG, NARI sees “Prosperous PNG Agricultural Com-munities” .

NARI Nius, Volume 20, Issue 3 Page 2

ICT application for resilient agriculture

A sia-P ac if ic c ountries were challenged to ac-

celerate technolog ical innova-tion and facilitate the transfer of useful technologies across the agriculture sector to en-suring sustainable food pro-duction systems and imple-menting resilient agricultural practices in the region.

Deputy Director General of the Malaysian Agricultural Re-search and Development In-stitute (MARDI), Dr Mohamad Roff bin Mohd Noor, issued the challenge when officiating two workshops at the Marriot Hotel, Putrajaya, Malaysia, last July. NARI’s James Laraki attended the work-shops.

The first event was a one-day Technical Workshop on Distri-butional Effects of Disasters and Climate Change on Food Security in ASEAN and the second event was the Re-gional Training Workshop on Transfer of Agricultural Tech-nology with Specific Focus on "Application of ICT for Resil-ient Agriculture”.

These workshops were jointly organized by MARDI, Centre for Alleviat ion of Poverty through Sustainable Agricul-ture (CAPSA), and Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), and were held from 17 - 20 July 2017. These events brought together over 50 participants representing local and inter-national organizations from the Asia-Pacific region.

The technical workshop was organized to address various issues associated with the impact of distributional ef-fects of disasters and climate change towards food security and to determine suitable actions that could contribute

to enhancing disaster resil-ience in the region.

The second workshop was focused on technology trans-fe r w it h th e th eme “Transferring Agric ultural Technology through the appli-cation of ICT for Sustainable Agriculture”. The objective of this workshop was to address the challenges agriculture organizations are confronted

with to effectively transfer agricultural technology inno-vations to stakeholders. These challenges are happen-ing across the agricultural sector in the region.

Both workshops were inter-related and aimed to firstly, understand the effects of cli-mate change and disasters and food security and sec-ondly to find ways to address these issues to increase the region’s resilience. The work-shops among others dis-cussed issues related to the best methods to maintain healthy agriculture ecosys-tems, strengthening capacity in today's climate change con-ditions such as extreme weather, drought, flood and other disasters as well as im-proving soil quality. There was a lot of information sharing

among the participants includ-ing country paper presenta-tions that were of great bene-fit to participants.

A special focus was given to the potential and applicat ion of ICT in technology transfer that may influence and strengthen decision making and policy formulation to ad-dress regional climate change issues.

The workshop was a medium to enable Malaysia, as the host country, to enhance co-operation and information sharing with other countries in the region, in the effective-ness of agricultural technol-ogy transfer efforts.

The workshops noted that addressing major issues such as climate change and trans-fer of relevant technologies requires the commitment of all players including the public and private sectors and in-volvement needs to be at vari-ous levels such as districts, provinces, countries, and farms. It was also noted that investment in food and agri-culture will not only address food security but has the po-tential to drive changes across the other SGDs.

The process of extracting oil from herbs is being explained to participants at MARDI’s Linggi research station

NARI Nius, Volume 20, Issue 3 Page 3

A pilot project aimed at boosting rice production

and improving food security will be rolled out to 30 com-munit ies in Morobe Province over the next two years.

The National Agricultural Re-search Institute (NARI) in part-nership with Project Support Services, Trukai Industries and PNG Women in Agricul-ture Foundation will supply the communit ies with solar-powered rice mills.

The project is funded by the Papua New Guinea-Australia grant program, Incentive Fund, which awarded a K2.5 million grant to NARI earlier this year.

The aim is for rice farmers to grow more rice for their own consumption and sell the sur-plus through Trukai’s market access. Local rice farmers have welcomed the project and are being actively en-gaged in its implementation.

“Milling rice manually is a major issue as it takes about three days,” said rice farmer Aileen Daniel.

“My community almost lost interest in rice farming so I am pleased that the solar powered rice mills will greatly address challenges in milling rice.”

“I can also charge my mobile phone using electricity from the solar panel,” added Ms Daniel.

The projec t will involve women, youth, children and people living with a disability to participate meaningfully in its implementation.

Director General of NARI, Dr Sergie Bang, recognises that over K300 million is spent

each year on importing around 225,000 tonnes of rice.

“It is in the best interests of the country to increasing ly grow its own rice,” said Dr Bang.

“Exporting countries in South East Asia can’t continue to send rice to Papua New Guinea under continuing El Nino conditions, as their wa-ter supply becomes limited using the paddy rice produc-tion system.”

“NARI’s role is to introduce technolog ies to reduce pro-duction costs including milling

and improve marketing effi-ciency,” added Dr Bang.

NARI has been supporting the development of rice in Papua PNG for the last 15 years and aims to collect valuable infor-mation from the pilot project.

They will monitor project out-comes including any increase in household income for rice farming families, skills and knowledge gained about rice growing and processing, im-proved access to renewable energy and reduced expenses on diesel that the solar mills allow.

All project partners will work together to ensure the project addresses this demand and is aligned to development priori-ties at all levels of govern-ment.

NARI previously received K6 million funding from the Aus-tralian Government through the Incentive Fund in 2014, to rebuild the Islands Re-gional Centre office, guest-house, fencing and genset at Kerevat, East New Britain.

Communities benefit from solar rice mill project

Stakeholders at the Project Inception Meeting

Good NARI representation at extension conference A paper titled “Identifying value

chain constraints for high value hortic ulture crops (Irish potato, Sweetpo-tato and Bulb onion) in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea” was among a num-ber of papers from NARI presented at the International Conference on Agricul-ture Extension held at the University of Goroka last September.

The paper presented by Mauro Okrupa, NARI’s Research Associate, highlighted the approaches used in selecting three agricultural value chains in the high-lands under the Rural Economic Devel-opment phase two (RED2) project.

It explained the methodologies used to select Irish potato, sweetpotato, and bulb onion as the three crops of eco-

nomic importance to the majority of the highlands farming communit ies. It also discussed the effectiveness of the focus group survey approach which resulted in identifying constraints faced by semi commercial, commercial and lead farm-ers from production, post harvest and marketing of sweetpotato, Irish potato and bulb onion.

The survey provided the basis upon which appropriate information and train-ing packages were developed to address prevailing knowledge and information gaps, identify and engage extension partners like provincial and district DPI/DAL officers, secondary school teac hers teaching agricultural classes, NGOs, FBOs, lead farmers and reps from farm-

ers cooperative societies to be TOTs and the establishment of 10 Farmer Re-source Centers (FRCs) where farmers training on improved agric ultural tech-nologies and business opportunities, field demonstrations and on-farm re-search trials will be conducted.

The paper highlighted the important role of the FRCs as the conduit for provision of extension services and that its owner-ship and sustainability is crucial.

Other papers presented at the confer-ence were: Potential for Vegetable Inter-cropping with Coffee in the Papua New Guinea Highlands (Johannes Pakatul), Challenges in Agricultural Technology

To page 4

NARI Nius, Volume 20, Issue 3 Page 4

NARI CEO represents APAARI at GFAR Steering Committee meeting

D r Sergie Bang, NARI Director Gen-eral and also Vice Chairman for

Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institut ions (APAARI) partici-pated at the 32nd Global Forum on Agri-cultural Research (GFAR) Steering Committee (SC) meeting held in Rome, Italy on 13-15 June, 2017.

The objective of the SC meeting was to complete the GFAR Medium Term Plan (MTP) with key focus areas and collec-tive actions aimed at making available to farming communities agricultural technolog ies developed through re-search.

Key people at the meeting included Dr Mark Holderness, Executive Secretary of GFAR, Dr Ren, Deputy Director Gen-eral of FAO, Dr Shantanu Mathur, Inter-national Fund for Agricultural Develop-ment (IFAD) and Dr Thomas Price, Agri-cultural Innovations, IFAD.

The meeting attempted to identify suc-cess criteria for collective actions (CAs), discussed the four key areas of focus and reviewed the collective actions provided. The key focus areas (KFAs) identified were; i) Communities deter-mining their own needs, ii) Turning knowledge and innovation into enter-prise, iii) Strengthening organizational and individual capacities and iv) Dem-onstrating impact and improving in-vestments.

In the assessment, the SC not only re-viewed the CAs provided by the GFAR Secretariat, but also considered the recommendations collated from the survey. Selected CAs were assessed for their potential in improving the live-lihoods of targeted farming communi-ties and whether it was feasible to do so. No additional KFAs or CAs were considered or accepted. In the end, CAs under the KFAs were agreed upon for the MTP.

The MTP proposes that collective ac-

tions be implemented by GFAR and the SC members to empower farmers, tar-geting mostly women and youth in each region/country of the world through innovation platforms, where agricultural technolog ies developed through re-search are made accessible to farmers for use to improve their livelihoods.

Furthermore, policy platforms will be held to demonstrate positive impacts on improved farmer livelihoods and engage policy makers to direct more investment into agriculture.

Dr Sergie Bang (left) contributing to the discussions at the meeting

From page 2

The participants also had the opportunity to visit the Melaka Halal Hub Sdn Bhd, the first Halal indus-trial centre in Malaysia. The visit allowed partici-pants to see the roles of its existence as a centre of halal logistic, research and development of halal products, packaging cen-tre and halal label. The tour also included a visit to the Center of Excel-

lence (COE) for herbs at the MARDI Linggi Melaka. The COE is one of MARDI’s research centres that fo-cus on herbal research, where participants had the opportunity to observe how the technology of essential oils research is conducted, piloted and transferred to entrepre-neurs who are interested or involved in commer-cializat ion.

- James Laraki

ICT apps effective in agriculture technology transfer From page 3

Dissemination for Climate Change Mitigat ion: Experiences in Western Highlands of Papua New Guinea (Jeremiah Ahizo and Mart in Lobao), Adaptable Organic Soil Fertility Manage-ment Practices for Improved Sweetpotato Production in the PNG Highlands (Yapo Jeffrey, William Sirabis and Rama-kris hna Akkinapally) and Household Processing of Sweet-potato, Cassava and Yam into Flour – A Case Study in Kopafo Village Eastern Highlands Prov-

ince, Papua New Guinea (Isidora Ramita and Martin Lo-bao.

The conference organising com-mittee was led by Professor Alan Quartermain with the as-sistance of Prof Joseph Sukwi-anomb, UOG Chancellor and Prof Musawe Sinebare, UOG Vice Chancellor. Present at the conference was Hon. Henry Tu-tuwo Ame, Vice Minister for Agri-culture and Livestock and Po-taisa Hombunaka from Coffee Industry Cooperation.

Staff present papers at extension conference

NARI Nius, Volume 20, Issue 3 Page 5

N ARI Southern Regional Centre (SRC), Laloki,

hosted four Japanese re-search scientists and assisted them with logistics to under-take a survey in Hisiu and Pinu villages in the Central province, from 14 – 18 Au-gust, 2017.

The team of scientists arrived from Lae, Morobe province after spending some days in Kaiapit LLG, Markham dis-trict. The purpose of the visit was to conduct a household survey on banana diversity and the complexity surround-ing its farming practices.

The research team consisted of Professor Shingo Odani, Drs. Yasuaki Sato, Kagari Shi-kata - Yesuoka and Koari Ko-matsu.

The objectives of the survey were to;

Investigate the diversity of banana variet ies in PNG,

Observe farming practices of banana production in rural areas, and

Analyze nutritional compo-sition of each banana vari-ety.

After a meeting with the SRC management and staff to briefly introduce the purpose of their visit, they toured the National Banana Germplasm collection at Laloki before heading to Pinu and Hisiu villages to spend the next

three days. They were accom-panied by NARI scientist Dick-son Benny.

Their research was to under-stand how has banana-farming complex changed in Pinu and Hisiu villages?” They wanted to find out whether cultural prestige, population growth, forest conservation, market demand, introduction of hybrid varieties, urbaniza-tion, climate change and pest & disease, are influencing the cultivation of bananas.

As part of the study, the re-searchers lived with families in the villages in order to un-derstand the people’s daily life and routine while visiting the banana gardens, identify-ing the different cultivars and their local names, and mor-pholog ically describing culti-vars for cooking and dessert bananas.

They also collected five kilo-grams of air dried Kalapua banana samples for nutri-tional analysis in Japan.

The team’s visit this year was to refine and analyse more banana varieties than their

earlier pilot research in 2015.

They hope to analyse as many banana varieties in PNG at present and compare them with varieties from other re-gions as part of their investi-gation of world history of agri-culture and human immigra-tion. Furthermore, the study is important, in order to de-velop an improved agric ulture system, not only anthropologi-cal or historical analysis but also ecological, economical or nutrit ional analys es are needed. For example, the pilot study in 2015 revealed that some varieties are rich in Vitamin A. To investigate the factors of Vitamin A storage in banana variet ies, farming practices, soil condition or physiological characteristics need to be surveyed to deter-mine the cause.

Understanding the nutrit ional status of banana varieties is important as it adds value to its importance not just for food security but nutrit ional security as well. To protect banana variet ies as germ-plasm resources of PNG farm-ers, it is important to obtain trademark or patent right. To obtain these rights in the global market, classification in global standard and analy-sis by scientific methods are urgently required. The Japa-nese researchers are eager to collaborate with NARI and the people of PNG for this pur-pose.

The Japanese team hope to write an academic paper based on the data they col-lected during their visits. Aca-demic papers published will be made available to NARI and other relevant partners.

- Dickson Benny

Japanese researchers visit banana farmers of Central

The banana germplasm at SRC Laloki

Immanuel (farmer in red) and Oah Ikupu (obscured in yel-low) being interviewed by japanese researchers in their banana garden at Hisiu village, Central province Photo: Dickson Benny

S taff and their families at the Sir Alkan Tololo Re-

search Centre turned out into their best red, black and gold attire to commemorate the country’s 42nd Independ-ence Day on 16th Septem-ber. Led by children in a well cho-reographed military-style pa-rade, the flags of Morobe, NARI and PNG were raised while the National Anthem was sung. NARI Senior Management

from the Director General, Deputy Director General, HR Manager, Programme Direc-tors, Facilities Manager were all in attendance to witness the flag raising. For the first time, a research scientist was given the hon-our to give the keynote ad-dress. Martin Lobao from the Live-stock Programme encour-aged staff to commit to achieving the country’s vision through fulfilling NARI’s man-

date. Mr Lobao said NARI is well placed to deliver most of the development goals with a strong management backing and technical team having delivered 29 improved agri-cultural technologies which have been released to the farming communities in PNG and the Pacific region.

He said NARI is in the process of partnering with private sec-tor to deliver on priorities set

out in the current Govern-ment’s Alotau Accord 2. These partnerships are;

Trukai industries —on domes-tic production of rice,

Niugini Tablebirds— local pro-duction of wheat and sor-ghum to reduce imports of grains for livestock feed

NARI will also contribute to export with more focus on alternative high value crops such as galip, kava, and as-paragus among others.

NARI Nius, Volume 20, Issue 3 Page 6

Independence celebration at SATRC

Children lead the singing of the National Anthem as the flags of NARI, Morobe Province and PNG were raised

NARI Nius, Volume 20, Issue 3 Page 7

Celebrating

PNG’s 42Nd

Independence

NARI Nius, Volume 20, Issue 3 Page 8

A group of eight students from the Charles Sturt

University, in New South Wales, Australia visited the National Agric ultural Re-search Institute (NARI) as part of the Australian govern-ment’s New Colombo signa-ture init iative on August 25, 2017 in Lae, Morobe.

The scholarship program aims to foster learning and capac-ity building within the Indo-Pacific region by supporting Australian undergraduates on agribusiness environment in PNG through expanding uni-versity, business and other stakeholder links.

Funding for the program by the Australian government is one academic year.

Lisa Gillogly and Tobie Payne are agriculture science stu-dents from Charles Sturt Uni-versity who were sponsored under this scholarship pro-gram and were part of the team that visited NARI.

They said PNG is so rich in natural resources and agricul-ture plays a very important role in improving lives of rural farming communities.

Miss Gillogly said although agriculture has been prac-ticed for many years in PNG,

there are gaps that can be improved when it comes to the introduction of various innovations and technologies into the subsistence farming practices.

Mr Payne also acknowledged that there is so much poten-tial in developing the agricul-ture sector through improved farming systems in increasing production and commerciali-zation of farm produce.

He said one way in improving the existing farming systems is through education which needs to be fully supported by relevant agencies such as NARI and the national govern-ment.

Mr Payne said the existing ties between PNG and Austra-lia can be further strength-ened through education pro-grams to enhance skills and knowledge of various agen-cies in developing the agricul-ture sector.

The students were given a tour on various displays start-ing with the Livestock pro-gram where NARI researchers discussed various livestock feeding systems developed using sweetpotato, cassava and other local feed materials to assist farmers reduce the

high cost of purchasing com-mercial feed for their live-stock.

Programme Director of Agri-culture Systems Dr Birte Ko-molong presented information on the development of the Canarium nut (c ommonly known as galip) to the visitors saying there has been so much research work done on commercializing galip funded by Australian Centre for Inter-national Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

The national government through NARI and other do-nors such as EU have in-vested in conducting research over the past decades to ex-plore the potential of galip as a commercial enterprise.

The galip nut is now proc-essed and packaged into vari-ous products which are slowly making their way into the su-permarkets.

Other displays included using various Biotechnology tech-niques, post harvest and proc-essing, traditional vegetables, and floriculture.

The Farm Mec hanisation team demonstrated various mechanized tools such as Kisar, a wooden manual rice mill and peanut sheller to separate peanuts from their shells.

The visiting students also had the opportunity to try out these tools.

- Samuel Toposona

Australian university students visit NARI

Tobie Payne receiving information booklets from NARI Director General Dr Sergie Bang

Students trying out the galip nut cracker during their visit to the Momase Regional Centre, Bubia

NARI Nius, Volume 20, Issue 3 Page 9

T he Pacific Agricultural Plant Genetic Resources Network (PAPGREN)

held a week-long meeting in August in Nadi, Fiji to discuss the Pacific Island countries progress in rat ifying and imple-menting projects under the Food and Agriculture (FAO) Treaty.

The FAO Treaty is known as the Interna-tional Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).

NARI’s Programme Director for Agricul-ture Systems Dr Birte Komolong at-tended as the focal point for the ITPGRFA or FAO Treaty.

PAPGREN members discussed lessons on the implementation of 2nd Project cycle and capacity building. This involved presentations from ITPGRFA members (status 2011) who implemented a pro-ject that the Community of the South Pacific (SPC) received through the Bene-fit Sharing Fund. The project has ended and the workshop reviewed some of the lessons learnt.

The sessions included:

Treaty Benefit-Sharing Fund (BSF) over-view including BSF 2nd and 3rd funding cycles,

SPC project overview – 2nd project cy-cle,

Country presentations from participat-ing countries that had ratified the Treaty at the time (Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Palau, Samoa),

SPC Project overview – 3rd cycle,

Objective: Strengthening the capacity of CePaCT to safely conserve and effi-ciently use PGR.

Outputs include:

DNA fingerprinting of collections (aroids) at CePaCT including setting up of a DNA fingerprint ing lab and development of core collections,

Developing molecular markers for salinity and drought,

Develop screening procedures for salinity and drought.

Participating countries reported posi-tively on the implementation of their re-spective activities. They (Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Palau, Samoa) reported hav-

ing successfully conducted awareness workshops for farmers to increase their knowledge and understanding of the role that PGRFA can play in managing cli-mate change, have screened and evalu-ated climate resilient varieties of crops and have distributed these crop varieties to farmers.

Issues raised

Cook Islands: Expressed that a two year cycle was limiting especially for breeding and selection of crops, and that drought and staff turnover affected their activi-ties.

Fiji: Regional matrix was complicated

and they experienced lack of regional cooperation, had problems with channel-ing of funds and acquittal process, and natural disasters such as Cyclone Winston and prolonged dry and wet sea-sons.

Kiribati: Need to have a project coordi-nator and an assistant for effective im-plementation and monitoring.

Samoa: Climate change is a major chal-lenge, therefore the region needs capac-ity in plant breeding (strengthen and sustain) with which to expand existing diversity generating varieties with traits better suited to climatic extremes;

• PGRFA diversity is inadequately doc u-mented in farmers’ fields and in situ. For those countries where in situ conserva-tion is important, documentation is much needed and methodologies and indicators that will enable better man-agement of in situ conservation;

• Documentation and dissemination of

existing information to be made avail-able in different formats. Documentation should include tradit ional knowledge;

• Improving technical capacity to include participatory approaches to PGRFA de-velopment and food processing skills. Documentation and dissemination of existing information to be made avail-able in different formats. Documentation should include tradit ional knowledge;

• Capacity of regional institutes (SPC and USP) and scientists to sustain and support research activities in the coun-tries through the application of molecu-lar tools,

• Capacity - building and technology transfer from developed countries to developing countries through SPC.

Also discussed were:

The FAO Treaty Capacity Building spe-cifically the significance of PGRFA and the need for a collective stand on PGRFA, and the overview of the Treaty.

Benefit-sharing Fund (BSF) and Fund-ing Strategy

Multilateral System (MLS) – a system which upon ratifying the Treaty, a country agrees to make its genetic diversity and related information about the crops stored in their gene banks available to all through the MLS.

Treaty implementation case study – sharing information and experience.

Pacific countries discuss FAO Treaty

PAPGREN members

NARI Nius, Volume 20, Issue 3 Page 10

Some of our titleS Technical Bulletins

Workshop Proceedings Extension Booklet Series

To fulfill NARI’s mandate and meet information needs of farmers and stakeholders on agricultural research and development NARI produces a wide range of publications, including information bulletins, extension booklets and simple leaflets called TokToks. If you would like a copy of any of these publications or a catalogue, contact our Regional Centre information offices. Their contacts are on the back of this newsletter. Visit our website at www.nari.org.pg to get a copy of our publications catalogue.

NEW

Banana (Musa spp) Passport Information and Minimum Descriptor List - K3

PIFON represented at the Pacific Islands Rural Advisory Services (PIRAS) Annual Forum

T he SPC EU funded PAPP project in partnership with Pacific Islands

Rural Advisory Services (PIRAS) network through funding support from the UN International Fund for Agricultural Devel-opment (IFAD) held a forum bring ing to-gether representatives from PICTs to dialogue on the challenges and explore ways to collaboratively mobilise re-sources and share knowledge and ex-periences to build capacities of stake-holders. The underlying philosophy was to empower smallholder farmers in the Pacific by strengthening the capacity of agricultural extension and advisory ser-vices (EAS).

The objectives of the forum were:

To identify capacity building needs for extension services in the region

To showcase and document best prac-tices in research and extension across the Pacific

To strengthen advocacy needs and policy gaps for research and extension services

To strengthen knowledge manage-ment processes to support research and services in countries

PIFON was represented at this forum via its members from PNG Women in Agri-culture Development Foundation, Farm

Support Association of Vanuatu, Tutu Rural Training Centre and Fiji Crops and Livestock Council of Fiji who showcased their Good Practices in: Youth Empower-ment and Training in Rural Advisory Ser-vices (RAS), and Empowering Farmers Role in RAS.

The event was co-organized with the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services

(GFRAS) and the South East Agricultural Research Centre (SEARCA). Approxi-mately 50 participants attended the event which was held from 29 – 31 Au-gust 2017 at the Novotel Hotel in Nadi, Fiji.

- Pifon e-bulletin

Maria Linibi, President of PNG Women in Agriculture Development Foundation, (second left) with other representatives of PIFON at the meeting

Human resource update I n this quarter, NARI head-

quarter farewell two staff who concluded their con-tracts.

Au Doko, was the Information Technology Associate and Seniorl Anzu, Information and Communication Officer.

Mr Doko left on 30 June, after serving six years while Mr Anzu lef t on 15 September, 2017, after serving 14 years.

Both men expressed that working with NARI had been a

valuable learning experience and one that they will treas ure for a long time.

Dr Sergie Bang, NARI Director General thanked Mr Doko saying he had contributed significantly through the ICT team as a good team player.

Dr Bang said, “He (Au) had delivered on tasks assigned to him, and his willingness to work after hours was very much appreciated.”

He also expressed his grati-tude to Mr Anzu for his tire-less contribution to the public image of NARI through media and publicity, in coordinating the Agricultural Innovations Show and other activities and wished him well in his new job.

Mr Doko on behalf of his fam-ily thanked NARI and said he was pleased to work with the Institute and learnt so much not just about ICT but farming as well. He hopes to use those farming lessons to sus-tain his family’s livelihood.

Mr Doko and his family re-turned to his home village of Lealea in the Central prov-ince, while Mr Anzu takes up a new job with the FAO Office in Port Moresby.

Departure

John Demerua —HRC Aiyura Chesly Kobua —MRC Bubia

Seniorl Anzu —HQ Evelyn Gembona —Deceased

NARI Nius, Volume 20, Issue 3 Page 11

Thomas Omot—Manager - As-sets & Property, HQ

Joseph Kerega – Principal Chemist, Chemistry Lab, Ki-lakila

Alai Kola — Centre Manager, SRC Laloki

Appointments

Staff thanks NARI

Placements & Transfers

Benjamin Niangu — Field Su-pervisor, SRC Laloki Roselyn Wilson — Admin. Offi-cer, SRC Laloki Miriam Tama - Accounts As-sistant, Transferred from Ki-lakila to SRC Laloki Ava Ava — Admin. Assistant, Transferred from SRC Laloki to Chemistry Lab, Kilakila Paul Kewah — HR Database Officer, HQ, Internal place-ment Peya Moro - Assets Officer, HQ, Internal placement Abel Giblin - Acting Centre Manager, MRC Bubia, Trans-ferred from HQ Assets Martina Genkawa — Accounts Assistant, MRC BubiaIRC Ker-evat (Permanent Ancillary to Contract staff) Taro Tamo - Accounts Assis-tant, SRC Laloki,IRC Kerevat (Permanent Ancillary to Con-tract staff) Andrew Darlie - Revenue Offi-cer, MRC Bubia—Internal Placement (Operations to Revenue) Dulcie Hannet — Research Ass ociate, I RC Kerev at (Permanent Ancillary to Con-tract staff) Simaima Kapi — Accounts Assistant, IRC Kerevat IRC Kerevat (Permanent Ancillary to Contract staff)

Au Doko receiving a gift from Dr Sergie Bang

Left to right: Seniorl Anzu, Au Doko, Dr Ramakrishna and Sali Mazi at Mr Doko’s farewell gathering

Mr Anzu receives a gift from DDG Dr Ramakrishna Akkina-pally as Dr Sergie Bang looks on. Right: The gift in-cludes a commemora-tive plate and key tag with the NARI logo

RESEARCH CENTRE’S CONTACTS Head Office Kana Aburu Haus-Sir Alkan Tololo Research Centre PO Box 4415 LAE Morobe Province Ph: 478 4000 Fax: 475 1450 Email: naripng@nari.org.pg

We’re on the web

www.nari.org.pg

Working Towards Prosperous PNG Agricultural Communities

Momase Regional Centre, Bubia Sir Alkan Tololo Research Centre P.O Box 1639 LAE Morobe Province Ph: 475 1033/90 Fax: 475 1034 Email: nariwlmp@nari.org.pg

Momase Regional Centre, Labu Sir Alkan Tololo Research Centre P.O. Box 1639 LAE Morobe Province Ph: 475 1066 Fax: 475 1248 Email: narils@nari.org.pg

Islands Regional Centre, Keravat P.O. Box 204 KOKOPO East New Britain Province Ph: 983 9145/9200 Fax: 983 9129 Email: nariwlip@nari.org.pg

Southern Regional Centre, Laloki P.O. Box 1828 PORT MORESBY National Capital District Ph: 328 1015/323 5511 Fax: 323 4733 Email: naridlp@nari.org.pg

Highlands Regional Centre, Aiyura P.O. Box 384 KAINANTU Eastern Highlands Province Ph: 537 3500 Fax: 537 3516 Email: narimhp@nari.org.pg

Highlands Regional Centre, Tambul P.O. Box 120 MT HAGEN Western Highlands Province Ph: 542 3442/ 275 5131/ 275 5130 Fax: 542 2779 Email: narihrctambul@nari.org.pg

Southern Regional Centre, Kilakila Chemistry Laboratory P.O. Box 8277 BOROKO National Capital District Ph: 321 2690 Fax: 320 2411 Email: narichemistry@nari.org.pg

Southern Regional Centre - Kilakila Insectory P.O. Box 1691 BOROKO National Capital District Ph: 321 0218 Fax: 320 2411 Email: nariinsectory@nari.org.pg

National Agricultural Research Institute, Head Office, Kana Aburu Haus, Sir Alkan Tolol o Research Centre, PO Box 4415, LAE 411, Morobe Province. Papua New Guinea. Tel: (675) 478 4000, Fax: (675) 475 1450, Email: naripng@nari.org.pg

NARI Nius is published quarterly by the Information and Knowledge Programme Editor: Barbara Tomi Contributions: NARI Staff Distribution: Kumaino Wioga

To receive an electronic copy of the newsletter, email your re-quest to barbara.tomi@nari.org.pg. You can also access copies

of the newsletter on http://www.nari.org.pg/nari-nius