News
Agricultural innovations day
27th February 2007
by Seniorl Anzu
Preparations are beginning to take shape for the newly introduced "agricultural innovations day" to be hosted by the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) come May 9. The one day event, to be held at the Sir Alkan Tololo Research Centre at Bubia outside Lae, will also mark NARI's 10th Anniversary.
Staff of NARI's Lae-based Wet Lowlands Mainland Programme have being hard at work early this week planting out the fields with improved crop varieties. Crops already on the ground include hybrid taro varieties, cassava and sweet potato varieties for the lowlands, aibika and peanuts and other legumes. The Taiwanese technical mission to PNG was also preparing its allocated plot for water melon planting.
Philip Lali of NARI checking out a lowlands variety of sweet potato planted at Bubia in preparation for the agricultural innovations day.
A number of research and development agencies, the private sector, educational and training institutions, extension providers, NGO's, community groups and innovative farmers are expected to participate. The day will see a hostful of activities in displays, exhibits, demonstration and training for the benefit of the general public, farming community and general stakeholders in the agriculture sector.
According to the organizing committee, the theme of the event will be "Science and Technology for Innovative Agricultural Development", and will focus on promoting improved and innovative agricultural technologies for rural development.
In recognition of the special role that women play in agricultural development in the country, the committee has also planned a display under the theme "Mipela Lukautim PNG - Women in Agriculture". This is to raise awareness and provide information on issues affecting women in rural areas, particularly in relation to income generation, literacy, nutrition and health (HIV/AIDS) so as to help empower women in the country.
Another significant highlight will be the official opening of a new building funded by the Morobe Provincial Government which is currently under construction at Bubia. According to Morobe Governor Luther Wenge's wish, the building will be called Alan Quartermain Hall. This is in tribute to Professor Alan Quartermain, outgoing NARI Chief Scientist, who has contributed a lot to the agriculture sector in PNG over more than 30 years. The hall will be used by NARI for public events such as field days, open days, training, meetings and other awareness and social gatherings.