District joins Trukai in rice production plans

 AFTER initial trials in Kairuku-Hiri district, Central, Trukai Industries Limited plans to expand rice production in the Vanapa-Brown River area. 

The expansion will include 10 hectares of commercial rice where selected model growers will cultivate between one to two hectares each.

Arrangements are in place to test a commercial scale production site of over 400ha of rice. 

To ensure its success, the company has purchased tractors and equipment and is assessing other infrastructure requirements. 

Trukai chief executive officer Greg Worthington-Eyre said: “While it sounds exciting, investment costs for this development, expertise to layout the paddy fields and to continuously source water are just some of the key cost considerations for such a large scale venture. 

“In addition, the success of such ventures will largely depend on farmers’ willingness to participate in such developments.” 

He said Trukai was prepared to provide technical expertise and the market in PNG by offering globally competitive prices to farmers. 

“Our company is working with locals to establish the best model for development for a viable local rice industry.” 

From trials, pest and weed management add significant cost to the growing cycle in order to achieve commercial yields. The yields are low but this is only the beginning. 

The trials are at Amadi and Vekabu villages