A bulb onion farming project in the Markham District is helping villagers improve their livelihoods and farming knowledge through a unique collaboration. Led by the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNG UoT), the Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA), and the Markham Smart Farmers group, the initiative is training locals in bulb onion cultivation — a crop that has high market value and strong potential in rural areas. Local leader and farmer Charles Edward Narjo has been at the forefront of this effort, working closely with development partners to get the project off the ground. “Our aim is simple — to help families earn income and become self-reliant through agriculture,” said Narjo. Since the start of the program, more than 30 farmers have signed up, including young people, women, and older community members. The farmers are being trained in every stage of the crop cycle, from preparing the land to harvesting and post-harvest care. Field training is led by FPDA coordinator Jacob Koroa, who emphasized the importance of technical knowledge in ensuring successful harvests. “We’re guiding farmers on how to grow healthy crops and manage their farms effectively,” said Koroa. Participants say the program is already making a difference. Villagers who had never farmed before are now actively planting and maintaining their onion plots. Seasoned farmers are also learning new techniques and taking a more commercial approach to agriculture. Farmer Simon Fred has become a role model by helping clear land and encouraging others to get involved. Challenges remain — especially with water access during dry spells — but farmers are being taught simple irrigation methods to reduce risk. Narjo said that while the training has been effective, farmers still need better road access and connections to buyers to turn their harvests into cash. “This is a good start, but we must go further. People are motivated, and with support for markets and equipment, we can build a strong local farming industry,” he said. The partners hope to expand the project to other parts of Markham and surrounding districts, helping more rural communities take control of their economic futures. “The potential is huge,” Narjo added. “We’ve planted more than just onions — we’ve planted hope.”