The Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) has picked up an existing partnership with the Mauberema Conservation Center in Sinesine Yonggomugl in the Chimbu Province, by supplying the center with native bean seed varieties.
Mauberema Conservation Center Founder, Mr. Kerry Moses mentioned that this partnership was initially set up in 2019, when the NARI set up a kind of demonstration plot for bean seedlings.
“Back then, we planted 22 different varieties of bean and we looked at genetically maintaining these beans.”
Mr. Moses said the local Mauberema kids got involved in the setting up of these plot and had a first-hand opportunity to learn how to grow and maintain beans.
“NARI has provided gardening tools and they showed us how to grow buffalo grass, which is a grass that helps to prevent soil erosion and will help in maintaining our native bean plot.”
It is hoped that this continued partnership will improve food security by maintaining the cultivating of native food crops.