PNG agriculture innovation show traces roots back to field days

The evolution of Papua New Guinea's agricultural innovation platform, now integrated into the National Agriculture System (NAS), traces its roots back to a fundamental yet impactful idea: the field day. Scientists involved in its early development recall that this initiative began as a straightforward method to bridge the gap between agricultural research and the farmers who implement it.

Dr. Peter Gendua, a key figure in its inception, explained that the concept materialized shortly after the establishment of the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) in 1996. The inaugural public engagement was designed as a field day, a direct opportunity to disseminate research findings and foster a collaborative spirit among the nation's agricultural stakeholders.

This early focus on practical, on-the-ground engagement has been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of agricultural development in PNG. The field day format allowed for direct feedback from farmers, ensuring that research remained relevant to their needs and challenges. It fostered a sense of shared ownership and progress within the agricultural sector.

While the platform has since been reshaped under the NAS, the core principle of bringing research closer to farmers remains a guiding force. This historical perspective underscores the enduring value of direct engagement and practical application in driving agricultural innovation within Papua New Guinea, a nation where agriculture forms the backbone of its economy and livelihoods.

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Dr Peter Gendua said the idea started shortly after the establishment of the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) in 1996, when the first public engagement was held as a field day to mark the institution’s creation and share research with farmers.