The 65th Mt. Hagen Agricultural, Business, and Culture Show, held from August 15 to 17, 2025, at Queens Park, served as a vibrant platform celebrating cultural diversity, business, and agricultural enterprise.
The event provided an opportunity for the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) to highlight innovation, resilience, and the role of agriculture in promoting sustainable livelihoods in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea.
NARI’s Tambul Higher Altitude Highlands Regional Research Centre, featured prominently at the show, presented a range of adaptive crops, livestock innovations, farm mechanisation, and climate-smart agricultural technologies aimed at improving food security in the region.
In alignment with its updated Strategic Results Framework, which focuses on value chain development and climate-resilient farming systems, NARI is broadening its mission to enhance economic security.
The highlight of the show was farm mechanisation, which included portable small farm implements and mini feed mill.
Preparation for the Mt Hagen Show began on August 6, when the Western Highlands Provincial Administration, led by Governor Hon. Wai Rapa, invited NARI to participate.
A delegation from the Provincial Government, led by Provincial Executive Manageress Ms Elizabeth Tu and Provincial Agriculture Manager Mr. Moses Pala visited the Tambul Research Station to assess the latest innovations under the guidance of Research Team Leader Mr. Maima Sine.
This formal invitation recognised NARI’s longstanding contribution to the province.
Despite a short preparation period, the Tambul team’s dedication was evident. Their exhibit was recognised as the most extensive and well-organised at the show, attracting a steady flow of farmers, agribusiness operators, and show attendees eager to learn about NARI’s advancements.
One of the main attractions was the display of sweet potato, particularly the commercial varieties Rachel and Korowest. The high-quality tubers generated significant interest, leading to numerous inquiries from farmers about acquiring the vines.
Plant Genetic Resources Officer Mr. Junior Clement emphasised the importance of using pathogen-tested, disease-free planting material and demonstrated effective planting techniques to maximise yields.
highlighted best practices that could transform sweet potato production into a viable commercial opportunity.
NARI also showcased twelve varieties of wheat currently under evaluation as potential cash crops for the Highlands, eliciting considerable interest among farmers looking to diversify their income sources beyond traditional staples.
The livestock portion included live demonstrations featuring sheep, goats, Muscovy ducks, and village chickens, which captured the interest of many smallholder farmers.
Livestock Officer Mr. Terry Tokam demonstrated how locally sourced feed ingredients can be processed into high-quality livestock feeds.
By employing a manual grinder and pelleting machine for small-scale production, along with an electric pelletizer capable of producing up to 500 kilograms per hour, farmers learnt how feed formulation can reduce costs and improve profitability in poultry and piggery operations.
Additionally, a small farm machinery display, presented by Officer Ms. Valentine Diikuk, attracted attention from farmers in the Waghi and Baiyer valleys.
Many expressed interest in how these machines could enhance efficiency, streamline workloads, and potentially increase production.
Although some innovations, such as incubator and hatchery technologies, could not be physically displayed due to their delicate nature, NARI ensured the attendees received valuable information through the distribution of posters, pamphlets, and Standard Operating Procedures related to poultry incubation and hatchery management.
A key element of NARI’s showcase was its commitment to climate-smart agriculture. A poster detailing the Digital Seasonal Climate Farm Advisor drew considerable interest, providing farmers with insights on timely farm management practices based on seasonal climate patterns, thereby helping them make informed agricultural decisions for improved productivity.
The 65th Mt. Hagen Show offered NARI a crucial platform to engage with the community, disseminate valuable agricultural knowledge, and cultivate partnerships aimed at advancing the agricultural sector in Papua New Guinea.
With a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability, NARI is dedicated to fostering a more resilient agricultural future in the Highlands region, empowering farmers through education, resources, and adaptive technologies.
In reflecting on the event, the NARI Tambul team expressed their pride and gratitude. Their participation not only raised awareness of the Institute’s contributions but also strengthened partnerships with the Western Highlands Provincial Administration and local farming communities.
Director General Dr Nelson Simbiken acknowledged the efforts of the staff in engaging fully with the community in Western Highlands and the surrounding Provinces.
“NARI’s mandate is to find solutions for farmers in our rural communities and we are pleased to see a meaningful engagement by our team in Tambul during the Mt Hagen Show.
“We are grateful to the Western Highlands Provincial Government for their support and partnership to reach farmers,” Simbiken said.
NARI’s involvement in the show reaffirmed its mission to promote food and economic security.
