Young farmers key to agriculture transformation

Prime Minister James Marape says the country's future prosperity depends on a new generation of farmers and agribusiness leaders.

Speaking at the launch of the Agri Connect Program in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, on Tuesday, Mr Marape highlighted examples of young farmers who are already transforming agriculture in their communities.

He said individuals such as Michael Yanepa of Lufa in Eastern Highlands and Kim Isonga from remote Finschhafen in Morobe Province demonstrate the kind of leadership needed to unlock Papua New Guinea’s vast agricultural potential.

Yanepa, an economist, currently leads the Lufa–Oliguti Farmers' Cooperative, helping farmers organise production, improve quality, and strengthen access to markets. The project is supported by the government through the PNG Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification [PAC]) Project with World Bank support.

“Another farmer, Kim Isonga from remote Finschhafen, manages a coffee cooperative that produces thousands of kilograms of coffee annually, even without road access,” Marape said.

“These examples show that agriculture is not just subsistence activity. It is serious business that can drive economic growth, exports, and job creation.”

The Prime Minister said the Government’s Agri Connect initiative, launched in partnership with international development partners, aims to scale up such success stories across the country by connecting farmers, cooperatives, agribusinesses, and markets.

He emphasized that the program would support farmers through improved coordination, financing opportunities, and stronger partnerships between government, the private sector and development partners.

“Our country has immense agricultural potential.

“But the real drivers of transformation will be our farmers themselves, especially young Papua New Guineans who are prepared to take leadership in their communities.” He said.

Prime Minister Marape encouraged more young people to view agriculture as a viable and rewarding career path.

“If our young people organize themselves into cooperatives, adopt modern farming practices, and connect to markets, agriculture will become a powerful engine of economic growth for Papua New Guinea.” He said.

He said the Government remains committed to strengthening agriculture as a key pillar of the country’s long term development strategy, alongside infrastructure, energy and trade.

“Through programs like Agri Connect, we are building a pathway for our farmers to participate fully in the national economy and in global markets,” Marape said.