Pacific Adventist University Partners to Empower Young Farmers in PNG

Pacific Adventist University (PAU), a Seventh-day Adventist school in Papua New Guinea (PNG), has announced a partnership with Trukai Industries. The partnership seeks to empower young PNG farmers, school leaders said.

The partnership will see PAU providing agricultural training and education to young farmers, while Trukai Industries will offer practical, hands-on experience through its Smart Farmer Program.

On November 5, 109 farmers graduated from Trukai’s program, marking a significant milestone in their agricultural journey. This program, in collaboration with PAU, has equipped these young farmers with the knowledge and skills to increase their productivity and improve their livelihoods.

“We are excited to partner with Trukai Industries to empower the next generation of Papua New Guinean farmers,” PAU vice chancellor Lohi Matainaho said.

“By combining academic knowledge with practical experience, we aim to equip young people with the tools they need to succeed in the agricultural sector.”

In 2023, PAU and Trukai Industries signed a five-year memorandum of understanding to start the Smart Farmer Program. Twenty hectares of race were to be planted at PAU to allow farmers to learn how to grow rice. The rice farms are located on PAU’s Koiari Park campus, and the focus is on training and capacity for those who do not have a degree. It is also part of PAU’s strategic plan to connect communities.

This partnership between PAU and Trukai Industries signifies a commitment to sustainable agriculture, food security, and rural development in PNG, school leaders said.

Following the graduation ceremony, Trukai Industries has launched a new three-month internship program. This program aims to further elevate the training and development of future agricultural leaders. It will take place at Trukai’s farm in Erap, Madang Province, where 24 selected interns will gain valuable hands-on experience in rice cultivation, harvesting, and milling.

Trukai selected model farmers based on their participation in the Smart Farmer Program or completing a Certificate in Irrigated Rice Farming from PAU or PNG University of Technology. Additionally, candidates demonstrated initiative by cultivating at least one hectare of rice and leading their communities using seeds they harvested.

About Pacific Adventist University

PAU is owned and operated by the South Pacific Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The institution is accredited by the Adventist Accreditation Association, an international denominational authority for all tertiary and graduate educational programs and institutions owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church entities.

The main campus is located on Koiari Park, 14 miles outside of Port Moresby, the capital of PNG. It is set in a beautiful environment consisting of water-lily lakes, a wealth of bird life, and well-maintained lawns, shrubs, and shade trees, making it a peaceful place for both residents and guests.

The institution was established in 1984. Since then, it has grown from a college of 20 students to a university of more than 1,000 students from across the Pacific.

The original version of this story was posted by Adventist Record.