Research
Programmes
The research programmes of NARI are regionally based in order to consider area specific constraints, needs, resources, opportunity and potentials, and to develop and adapt appropriate technologies and information for different agro-ecological regions of the country. This effectively enables materials and methods to be tested and adapted in localised areas and in the farming environment.
Geographically, there are two distinct regions in Papua New Guinea, defined on the basis of altitude: the highlands (above 1,200 m) and the lowlands (below 1,200 m).
Research Programmes and its Agro-Ecological Focus
Lowlands
The Lowlands region is further divided on the basis of agroclimatological zones: the Dry Lowlands, the Wet Lowlands (Mainland) and the Wet Lowlands (Islands). These programmes are based at Laloki, Bubia and Keravat respectively.
Highlands
The Highlands region is further divided by altitude: those areas between 1,200 m and 1,800 m, and high-altitude highlands areas above 1,800 m. The highlands region covers five provinces: Eastern Highlands, Simbu, Western Highlands, Southern Highlands and Enga, although there are highland areas in other provinces.
The highlands have a rainfall between 2,000 and 3,000 mm. There is a high population density in the central highlands, and the agricultural systems are intensive sweet potato or Arabica coffee-based. Cash crops include coffee, tea, vegetables, fruits and staple food crops. NARI is represented in the Highlands by the Main Highlands Programme in Aiyura and the High Altitude Highlands Programme in Tambul and Kandep.