Resilient sweet potato variety shields Hela farmers from El Niño

Resilient kaukau variety in farmer Henry Kumapugo's garden in the Hayapuga community of Tari Pori district in Hela *Supplied)*

For most rural families across Papua New Guinea, sweet potato [kaukau] is essential to daily life. It serves as both a primary staple food and a reliable source of household income through local markets.

However, as severe El Niño drought conditions sweep through the nation, traditional kaukau crops are increasingly failing.

In response, weather-resistant kaukau varieties are proving to be a vital lifeline.

In the Hayapuga community of Tari-Pori District, Hela Province, local farmers are now reaping the rewards of climate-resilient agriculture. Despite the ongoing drought, community leader Henry Kumapugo reports that their fields have yielded a successful harvest.

Kumapugo, who has long advocated for community members to return to their land and focus on farming, distributed drought-resistant kaukau vines to local households. The hardier crops survived the prolonged dry spell, securing both food supplies and income for participating families.

Farmer Henry Kumapugo loading kaukau bags to be transported to Wonderland Agri Stock at Hides for the piggery farm (Supplied)

Beyond subsistence, the initiative is driving local commerce. Mr. Kumapugo is leading the community in supplying bulk kaukau to Wonderland Agri Stock in Hides to support its commercial piggery operations.

“Communities in Hela Province that planted weather-resistant sweet potato varieties are enjoying the benefits and continuing to earn money by supplying Wonderland Agri Stock,” Kumapugo said.

“With new varieties and clean-propagation methods developed to withstand extreme climate shifts, many households have been sustained through this drought.” Kumapugo said.

The community thanked the DDA for allocating K500,000 to subsidize the purchase price of kaukau, raising the payout to farmers from 80 toea to K1.30 per kilogram.