Agriculture & Fisheries

Prime Minister James Marape is intent on putting agriculture, forestry and fisheries at the forefront of the government’s development agenda, with an eye to boost downstream processing of farmed resources. As attempts to galvanise the sector spur the development of Papua New Guinea’s key crops and catches, reforms are under way to ensure the country maximises the potential of its rich soil and biodiversity. The government is also taking steps to increase PNG’s self-sufficiency in food production. Furthermore, PNG must promote agricultural development and encourage its population to participate in reaching this goal. Efforts should be channelled towards structural reforms aimed at improving the ability of state institutions to work with the private sector. Solving issues of landownership will improve investor confidence and encourage domestic and international players to support PNG’s potential for agricultural development. This chapter also contains an interview with Graham King, General Manager, Hargy Oil Palms; and a viewpoint from Goodwill Amos, Former Managing Director, Papua New Guinea Forest Authority.