GHU FARMERS AWARDED WITH K50,000 FARMING KIT

By Naomi TAKOMA

Gerehu, once known for crime, is now sprouting hope, thanks to farmer John Pasi and the Trukai Smart Farmer Program.
In recognition of his efforts to transform lives in one of Port Moresby’s most troubled communities, Trukai Industries today awarded John Pasi of Gerehu Stage 6 a Village Sustainability Kit (VSK) worth K50,000.
John, a model farmer under the Trukai Smart Farmer Program, was praised for his commitment to rice farming and for mentoring local youths, many of whom were previously involved in street crime and petty offenses.
“This program has given our young people – including former street boys and ex-criminals a second chance at life,” said community spokesperson Sebastian Nianfop, who also acknowledged the Ogoni Dabunara clan of Baruni Village as traditional landowners of the area.
Trukai Agriculture Manager Aina Davis said the VSK kit, valued between K45,000 and K50,000, includes a power tiller, push planter, fertilizer spreader, knapsack sprayer, and a solar-powered rice mill.
“John stood out. During our visits, we saw how he influenced the community – especially youths who were once involved in crime,” Davis said. “Today, John is not just a model farmer; he’s a role model.”
Manager Haina Davis, who flew in from Lae, emphasized that the initiative aims to shift farmers from smallholder to commercial farming.
“Since 2022, we’ve trained over 1,000 farmers in partnership with Unitech and PAU. Only top-performing ones—like John—are selected to further train at our Erap farm in Lae,” she said.
Edward Wesley, another local leader, highlighted the broader social benefits of the program.
“If you want to cut down on crime, you involve the boys,” he said. “This program doesn’t just put money in their pockets – it reduces law and order problems.”
John gave a heartfelt account of his journey.
“I was once on the streets, involved in the wrong things,” he said. “Now I’ve completed my internship and returned to help other youths join me in rice farming.”
Trukai has delivered over 20 VSK kits across the country and continues to provide support through field visits, local coordinators, and farmer groups on WhatsApp.
“This isn’t just a Trukai project, it’s a national effort,” Davis said. “We call on more partners to join us so we can grow this impact across PNG.”