Trukai Industries Limited (TIL) is continuing its mission to strengthen food security and promote sustainable agriculture in Papua New Guinea (PNG) through its flagship initiative program the SMART FARMER Program, a hands-on training program preparing hundreds of local farmers in irrigated rice farming.
Now in its fourth intake at Pacific Adventist University (PAU) outside Port Moresby city and fifth batch overall since the program’s launch in 2022, the SMART FARMER Program combines classroom theory and community-based fieldwork aimed at increasing national rice production and reducing reliance on imported rice.
The 2025 January intake (Batch 3) saw 51 participants, while the current Batch 4 at PAU includes 93 participants, among them 20 final-year science students from PAU completing their practicum.
Participants come from across the country including,
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23 from Milne Bay
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18 from Western Province
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12 from Gulf
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2 from West New Britain
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The remaining participants from NCD, Central Province, and Popondetta
“The training equips our farmers with the technical skills and knowledge to grow rice under irrigation,” said Thomas Tetu, Site Manager for Trukai Industries at PAU.
“It’s about empowering people with the tools to feed their families, earn income, and become self-reliant.”
The 20-week program is structured in two phases:
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Two weeks of intensive classroom-based theory, followed by
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18 weeks of practical training conducted in the participants’ home communities.
The curriculum includes four modules, Fundamentals of rice cultivation, Irrigation systems, the Rice growth cycle, and Farm business management.
Upon successful completion, farmers are awarded a Certificate in Irrigated Rice Farming. The current batch will graduate this November.
Since its inception, the SMART FARMER Program has trained more than 1,000 farmers, with sessions held in both Lae (through UNITECH) and Port Moresby (through PAU).
“Farmers come from diverse backgrounds and bring various traditional farming methods,” Mr. Tetu said.
“We focus on building a shared understanding, day by day, to achieve better outcomes together.”
The program’s impact is already being felt in rural communities, with many graduates returning home to apply their knowledge and mentor others. However, Mr. Tetu acknowledged that challenges remain, especially in harmonizing farming practices and ensuring infrastructure such as water access is in place.
To qualify, applicants must be between 18 and 45 years old, have access to land near a reliable water source and be able to read and write.
The SMART FARMER Program is fully supported by Trukai Industries under its Rice Development Division, aligning with the company’s long-term goal of promoting locally grown, sustainable food systems and reducing the country’s dependence on imported rice.
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