Trukai Industries Limited, in collaboration with key stakeholders including the PNG University of Technology, SunRice Group, and the Government of Papua New Guinea, celebrated the graduation of batches three and four of the Smart Farmer Program on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
The event marks a major milestone in the country’s ambition to grow local rice production and transform agriculture into a key economic driver.
Trukai CEO, Alan Preston, expressed his gratitude during the event. “It’s been a joy to be part of this journey. Each year the program grows, and we find new ways to enrich it, share intellectual property, and help people grow rice for both personal benefit and commercial purposes. So far, it’s been quite successful, but there’s more work to be done to secure a better future for PNG,” said Preston.
He emphasized Trukai’s commitment to Papua New Guinea, stating, “Trukai has been part of the fabric of PNG since 1973. We have been here for a long time and maybe be here for another 50, years even 100 years—because we are truly committed. Today is an example of that commitment, supported by wonderful partners from the PNG Government, our partner universities, the Government of Australia and SunRice Group.”
Vice Chancellor of the PNG University of Technology, Professor Dr Ora Renagi, commended the partnership and emphasized the university’s role in national development. “The success of a university is measured by the success of its graduates. Seeing young men and women equipped with skills to participate in economic growth is satisfying. Our goal is to become a world-class institution and programs like these are key drivers of growth.”
Smart Farmer graduate Cathy Wanpis from Eastern Highlands Province said, “We’ve learnt so much and I believe it will help us become better farmers. I hope this program reaches more people, especially in rural areas.”
Secretary for the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) Dr Sergi Bang, outlined how the program aligns with PNG’s Medium-Term Development Plan IV. Key targets include:
- Growing the agriculture sector’s GDP from PGK20 billion to PGK40 billion by 2033.
- Creating 2 million jobs in the sector.
- Fostering agriculture entrepreneurs to scale from small to medium and large businesses.
- Improving the Human Development Index and reducing malnutrition by 40%.
“The government has set clear goals, and training programs like this help us get there. Trukai’s role is vital, and DAL stands ready to support this initiative through mechanisms like removing import duties on farming equipment,” the Secretary said.
Mr. Brenton Kanowski, from the Australian High Commission, reinforced Australia’s continued support. “PNG is blessed with rich soil. Through strong partnerships we can help smallholder farmers improve skills and productivity.”
The Smart Farmer Program continues to empower local farmers, particularly those in rural areas who make up 80% of PNG’s population. Rice is fast becoming a staple, and Trukai is leading the charge in building a sustainable, locally driven industry.
Following the Smart Farmer Program Graduation, a ground breaking ceremony was held to symbolise Trukai Industries’ expansion of its commercial rice farming.
The company’s farm at Erap, Morobe Province, has long served as the cornerstone of Trukai’s agricultural initiatives. With the expansion of its commercial rice farming, Trukai has projected to carry out this expansion from 100 hectares in 2024 to 200 hectares in 2025 and doubling this expansion each year.
Trukai has already harvested its first locally grown rice, which is blended into its Roots Rice product and now being shared and enjoyed by its consumers across PNG. Through its commercial rice farming, the company aims to contribute meaningfully to the government's vision of a modern and economically viable agriculture sector by 2030.
