BUBIA, LAE, MOROBE PROVINCE: A delegation from the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Science (JAAS) from Jiangsu Province, China recently visited Papua New Guinea, to run a one-day workshop for public servants in the agriculture space.
The team consisted of six (6) professors covering topics on rice varieties and cultivation techniques, soil improvement and organic fertilizer, livestock breeding techniques, agro-product quality management, planning and design for leisure farm facilities, vegetable varieties and cultivation techniques, and China’s Agriculture Product Import and Export Trade Standards.
The visit initiates commitment made by the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) and Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Science (JAAS) through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in April 2024.
In partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, a one-day intensive Agri-Tech workshop was held on Monday 30th of June 2025, in Port Moresby, where over 20 participants attended.
Participants included representatives from the commodity boards, NARI and the Department of Agriculture and Livestock.
Notable takeaways were the access into the Chinese markets and the opportunities for leisure Agriculture.
It was learnt through Professor Yuan Liu from JAAS’ Food Safety and Nutrition Division that there is a growing demand for Organic and sustainably produced agricultural goods. But like many countries, imports into the Chinese markets must meet the World Trade Organisation and CODEX set minimum standards for food safety.
In the Pacific, Vanuatu kava was approved for Export in 2023 and Fiji’s Ginger and Coconut Products.
Mr David Tenakanai, the General Manager-Technical Services at the National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA) was overwhelmed that despite agreements with China to export Agricultural produce, PNG is yet to meet the market standards.
He challenged the workshop participants and heads of government agencies to fast-track formalities in meeting the required standards.
Sharing similar sentiments, Dr Nelson Simbiken, the Director General of NARI, encouraged the participants to maximise any new information shared by the Chinese experts.
The Memorandum of Understanding with NARI will carry out;
- research and development along agriculture food value chains
- develop human talents for agricultural research and innovation
- establish a joint research platform for community engagement and
- optimise policy advocacy for agriculture.
“This training is the beginning of other trainings that we will be conducting through the China Pacific Island Countries Agriculture Cooperation and Demonstration Centre.
“NARI is pleased to partner with an institution that boasts 94 years of research and innovation.
“Through the MOU with JAAS, we will set up a Field Demonstration plot at Laloki. We have selected a site where they will be based. When they are here, they become the resource, where we will continue to feed areas that need further training.”
