In a significant step towards transforming its agricultural sector, Papua New Guinea has officially launched its new Agriculture Management Information System (AMIS) — a cutting-edge platform designed to enable evidence-based planning, monitoring, and decision-making in real time.
The system was unveiled during a ceremony attended by high-level government officials and development partners, marking the culmination of a collaborative effort led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) under the EU-STREIT PNG Programme.
Hosted on the national G-Cloud infrastructure through the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), AMIS is more than just a digital database. It is a comprehensive decision-support tool that provides centralized, automated data management and analysis capabilities for the National Department of Agriculture and Livestock (NDAL) and affiliated Commodity Boards.
Speaking at the launch, NDAL Secretary Dr. Sergie Bang hailed AMIS as a landmark development for PNG’s agriculture sector.
“The AMIS is a pioneering tool designed to improve how we manage, monitor, and plan agricultural activities across the country,” Dr Bang said. “It catalyzes a more productive, efficient, and sustainable agricultural future for Papua New Guinea by enabling data-driven decisions that benefit millions of farmers and stakeholders.”
The platform is aligned with key national strategies, including PNG’s 4th Mid-Term Development Plan (MTDP IV), the National Agriculture Sector Plan (NASP), and NDAL’s Corporate Plan. It is expected to enhance coordination between departments, streamline data collection and reporting, and help monitor project outcomes and environmental impacts across provinces.
The AMIS development and deployment were made possible through funding from the European Union, initially targeted at the Sepik region under the EU-STREIT PNG Programme. However, its nationwide adoption reflects broader ambitions.
“While the EU’s support was designed for two Sepik provinces, AMIS is a great example of how our contributions are delivering national benefits,” said Ms. Monica Vazquez-Pablo from the EU Delegation. “We look forward to seeing it populated with quality data that can generate valuable insights for informed policymaking.”
EU-STREIT PNG Programme Coordinator Mr. Ali Said Yesuf emphasized the importance of maintaining data accuracy and timeliness, which will be critical for the system’s long-term impact.
“AMIS has the potential to provide all the analytical tools necessary for guiding agriculture policy, programme design, and budgeting. But the value of the system depends on the quality of data it receives.”
According to ITU-STREIT Project Officer Mr. Kanagat Alyshbaev, the launch of AMIS marks the beginning of a digital future for PNG’s agriculture sector.
“This system elevates NDAL's operational efficiency and transitions it into the digital age,” he said. “Manual, complex processes are now automated and transparent — making the department more accountable, productive, and resilient.”
During the event, attendees were given a live demonstration of AMIS capabilities by the ITU-STREIT Project Expert, who is also leading hands-on training sessions for NDAL officers to ensure effective system use.
The initiative is a flagship example of the European Union’s Global Gateway Strategy in action in Papua New Guinea. Through EU-STREIT PNG, digital tools and systems are being introduced to improve rural livelihoods, increase productivity, and strengthen food security — all while contributing to the country’s broader development goals.
