The Papua New Guinea National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) participated in the 6th China (Guangdong)–Pacific Island Countries Agricultural Technology Training Course, held from 20th October to 2nd November 2025 at the South China Agricultural University (SCAU) in Guangdong Province, China.
The training was guided by the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, hosted by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Guangdong Province, and organised by the International Agricultural Economy and Farmer Cooperation Center of Guangdong Province, in collaboration with SCAU.
The program brought together 18 participants from six Pacific Island countries — Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Samoa, and Nauru — with the shared goal of strengthening agricultural technology exchange, promoting sustainable agricultural development, and enhancing bilateral cooperation between China and the Pacific region.
For Papua New Guinea, the invitation was extended through the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) as part of ongoing efforts to promote agricultural innovation and technology transfer.
The Department nominated NARI and the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) as the key statutory institutions to represent PNG.
NARI was represented by Mr. Jeremiah Ahizo, Livestock Scientist and Research Team Leader at the Momase Regional Research Centre, and Mr. Mauro Okrupa, Agronomist at the Tambul Highlands High Altitude Research Centre, while the NFA delegation included Ms. Laureen Wauru and Ms. Youtee Annson.
Mr. Okrupa described the two-week intensive training as a unique opportunity to experience China’s agricultural technologies, research innovations, and sustainable farming models firsthand.
The course comprised seven thematic lectures and tutorials, complemented by ten field and institutional visits to leading agricultural enterprises, research centres, and demonstration farms across Guangdong Province.
“We have learned a great deal about the agricultural industry in Guangdong Province and across China.
“The lessons shared by experts at SCAU, along with our field visits, have been both insightful and inspiring,” shared Mr Okrupa.
Participants gained valuable insights into China’s long-standing agricultural and fisheries traditions, modernised production systems, and the integration of smart technologies into production systems and ecological management.
Reflecting on the training, Mr. Okrupa highlighted several key lessons, including China’s transition from conventional yield-focused production systems to ecological and smart agriculture, which demonstrates its commitment to productivity and sustainability.
He observed that universities in China work closely with agribusiness enterprises to drive continuous research, innovation, and commercialization, while the enterprises themselves operate complete value chain systems encompassing production, processing, packaging, transportation, and waste recycling.
The course also helped participants understand the shared agricultural research needs of China, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Island nations.
Additionally, China’s strong reward and incentive systems, ranging from funding opportunities for entrepreneurs to recognition programs for scientists and innovators, were identified as key enablers of progress in agricultural research and development.
Mr. Okrupa expressed appreciation for China’s commitment to international agricultural cooperation and knowledge sharing.
“We recognise the important role the Chinese Government continues to play in global agriculture and commend its vision in sharing knowledge and expertise to advance agricultural development in our respective countries. We hope to build on these foundations to strengthen research collaboration and agricultural innovation between NARI and our Chinese partners,” he said.
The training concluded with a renewed commitment among Pacific Island participants to promote agricultural innovation, strengthen institutional partnerships, and apply the lessons learned to improve food security and sustainability within their home countries.
NARI acknowledges the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Guangdong Province, the International Agricultural Economy and Farmer Cooperation Center of Guangdong Province, and South China Agricultural University for their leadership, collaboration, and support in organizing this impactful training program.
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Prepared by Mr. Mauro Okrupa, Agronomist – High Altitude Research Centre, National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), Papua New Guinea.
