Goroka rice farmers pleased with harvest

RICE farming in Eastern Highlands is becoming a reality under the provincial government’s agricultural projects.
The Moyalo Katagu rice farm in the Lower Bena harvested more than 40 bags of rice from their first harvest on Tuesday.
Rice farmer Ikipa Iyopeso said they expected to double the number of bags in next year’s harvest.
Iyopeso said he was impressed with the harvest as they did not expect a big harvest.
“I was very happy that we harvested a total of 45 20kg bags of organic rice from our farm and we are very encouraged to grow more rice,” Iyopeso said.
“We have already prepared almost 10 hectares of land and we expect to see a huge harvest the next time around.
“But this first harvest is also big, we will mill it and sell the rice to generate income for the farm and its workers.”
He said they planted rice eight months ago after Eastern Highlands Governor Peter Numu rolled out the province’s agriculture programmes in 2019.
Moyalo Katagu rice farm coordinator Hatie Komina said they aim to package and sell their rice throughout the country.
“Our first harvest is very encouraging and we expect to have our second harvest in the next six months,” he said.
They acknowledged Numu and local MP Benny Allan for their support in establishing the project.