FORMER TEACHER SUPPORTS RICE PRODUCTION IN NORTH FLY

By Kenny ROMANUS, Western Province

Michael Pius, a former secondary school teacher from Iogi Village in the North Fly District, is spearheading an initiative to promote local rice production.

Inspired by the agriculture policy of local MP James Donald, he began advocating for rice cultivation in 2020.

With support from the MP, Mr. Pius attended a training program at the University of Technology in Lae, backed by Trukai Industries.

Upon returning to Kiunga, he started cultivating rice on nearly one hectare of land. Mr. Pius has ordered 100 kg of rice seeds, distributing about 60 kg to local farmers, particularly those along the Fly River and highway.

He continues to distribute seeds and teaches irrigation techniques to empower local farmers, aiming to establish a sustainable rice industry that enhances food security and creates economic opportunities in the community.