Port Moresby, March 12, 2024 – Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has extended his commendations to taro exporters Muruk Tropical Produce Ltd and Wantok Produce, alongside the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) in Lae, for their pivotal role in establishing export markets in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. This move not only opens international avenues for Papua New Guinea’s taro but also significantly contributes to the nation’s economy and the well-being of rural communities.
Highlighting the innovative strides made by NARI, the Prime Minister lauded the introduction of NARI Taro (NT) planting materials, specifically seven new taro cultivars labeled NT1 through NT7. This development is poised to transform the taro farming industry in PNG by enhancing production yields and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Prime Minister Marape emphasised the tangible benefits these efforts bring to the rural populace: “I commend Muruk Tropical Produce Ltd and Wantok Produce for establishing taro markets in the USA, Australia, and New Zealand. They are bringing in much-needed foreign exchange into the country and, most importantly, putting money directly into the pockets of our rural people.”
The Prime Minister also recognised the significant contributions of Muruk Tropical Produce Ltd, under the visionary leadership of Managing-Director Mrs. Anna Wissink, for breaking into the US market and initiating exports to Australia. Similarly, Wantok Produce, led by Managing-Director Dr. Pulotu McCarthy, has been acknowledged for successfully exporting 13 tonnes of premium Morobe taro to New Zealand, a milestone event overseen by Agriculture Minister Hon. John Boito.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Marape’s accolades were extended towards NARI’s release of seven new taro cultivars for commercial-scale production, signifying a monumental leap towards agricultural innovation and sustainability.
“These initiatives perfectly align with the Government’s policy objectives as outlined in the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) IV 2023-2027,” stated Prime Minister Marape. He highlighted the plan’s ambitious goals, including doubling revenue, creating one million jobs, and expanding the economy to K200 billion by 2030, steering PNG towards becoming a middle-income country. “The agriculture sector, with a focus on taro and other local crops, is expected to be at the forefront of achieving these significant milestones,” he said.
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