News
NARI improves distribution of its Publications in POM and Southern Region via UPNG Bookshop
7th April 2005
by Seniorl Anzu
Publications produced by the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) are now available from the University of Papua New Guinea’s bookshop at the Waigani Campus. The publications include: extension/farmer leaflets in English and Tok Pisin on various crop and livestock farming and pest management; extension booklets providing simple advice on crops, livestock or farm management for extension officers and farmers; and information bulletins which provide authoritative information on crops, livestock or aspects of farm management. Amongst these publications are a comprehensive information bulletin covering all aspects of vanilla cultivation, an extension booklet on Muscovy duck farming and an information bulletin on growing apples in Papua New Guinea.
The distribution of these publications from the Uni Bookshop was launched last Wednesday in Port Moresby by NARI’s Director General Dr Raghunath Ghodake and UPNG’s Professor K Singh.
Speaking at the launch Dr Ghodake expressed gratitude to the University for its partnership and said this arrangement would improve distribution of NARI Publications in Port Moresby and the Southern Region.
He said this is important because while NARI’s role is to create knowledge based on scientific research, it is also mandated to make this knowledge accessible to the farmers who can then use this information to improve their agricultural practices and production and thereby improve their income, food security, nutrition and livelihood.
Dr Ghodake said science based agricultural knowledge and innovation is the key to improved agricultural production, economic enhancement and social welfare for families and the country and to creating a prosperous Papua New Guinea agricultural community.
Introducing NARI publications at the launch, NARI Scientific Editor Eileen Kolma said this launch is part of NARI’s ongoing efforts to make its publications and information available to farmers and stakeholders.
She said the Uni Bookshop is a strategic distribution outlet because students are important agents in bringing information back to their villages and influencing positive agricultural change.
“Opening up a distribution here places the publications within their reach and saves them expensive phone calls to Lae or other NARI information centers in search of information,” she said.
Uni Bookshop Manager Dr John Evans said the publications will in time be sold from University Centres throughout the country.
Professor Singh acknowledged NARI’s contribution to agricultural research and development and said: “The university is benefiting from NARI’s work and this arrangement will strengthen our relationship.”