Advancing Sustainable Agriculture in Papua New Guinea

JICA Volunteer Agriculture and Environment Sector meeting was held in Rabaul. The main objective of this meeting was to explore the feasibility of producing seeds of Crotalaria, a green manure crop that has been successfully propagated in Eastern Highlands Province, under coastal conditions.

During the meeting, participants shared information on green manure in collaboration with the Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources and Environment (UNRE), reviewed the progress of composting activities being implemented by JICA Volunteers, and demonstrated the KJ Method, a participatory tool used to identify community issues and organize ideas for practical solutions.

Volunteers also shared experiences from their work with local farmers in East New Britain and Eastern Highlands Provinces, highlighting achievements, lessons learned, and challenges encountered in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. These discussions provided valuable opportunities for mutual learning and strengthened collaboration among volunteers working in different regions of Papua New Guinea.

If seed production techniques for Crotalaria can be successfully established in coastal areas, domestic seed supply within Papua New Guinea will become possible, paving the way for wider dissemination throughout the country. This could contribute to improved soil fertility as well as increased agricultural productivity and crop quality. Trial seeds will be provided to UNRE through the volunteer assigned to the university, and further joint verification and research activities are planned.

In addition, composting initiatives are expected to evolve into community-based agricultural technology study groups centered around cooperating farmers. The sector meeting provided a valuable opportunity not only for volunteers to enhance their technical knowledge and skills, but also to strengthen collaboration with universities and local communities, contributing to the sustainable dissemination of agricultural technologies in Papua New Guinea.