Show promotes agriculture

THE Morobe Agricultural Show was held purposely to showcase agriculture in the province, a representative from Trukai says.
Trukai Industries commercial cropping manager Nicodemus Bokame said the company was keen to promote agriculture in PNG and was thankful for shows such as the Morobe Show which helped showcase a variety of farming and livestock activities.
Bokame said Trukai used the show to promote their initiatives in rice growing.
“Historically, we are the first to grow our own rice in PNG,” Bokame said.
“We also support local farmers.
“During the show, we showcased our seed breeding, pilot farms and commercial farm at Umi that is currently used to produce the Hamamas Rice in cooperation with Chingwam Cooperative Society of Markham.”
Bokome said Trukai provided technical assistance to the society and then bought the harvested rice from the farmers.
He said the company saw the need for rice in the country and encouraged farmers to accept rice as a staple crop.
“In that way, we will support each other to grow rice in the country,” he said.
“We also had a rice plantation at Poahom which we just did the first harvest.
“If all goes well, we will scale it up to a commercial operation.”
Bokame said Trukai was looking to develop its livestock business in the country.
“We have the Brangus cattle breed which is a cross between Brahman and Angus and the cross breed with improved life and improved productivity.”