PNG URGED TO STRENGTHEN FOOD SECURITY AS EL NIÑO THREATENS FARMERS

BY RICKY ISRAEL

PAPUA New Guinea has been urged to strengthen food security and support local farmers as El Niño threatens food production across the country.

Minister for Oil Palm Francis Maneke says the country must invest in smallholder farmers, reduce food waste and promote locally grown food to improve food security.

Speaking during the 2026 World Food Day commemoration in Port Moresby yesterday, Mr Maneke says more than 80 % of Papua New Guineans depend on subsistence agriculture for their food and livelihoods.

He says poor transport, storage and processing facilities cause farmers to lose large amounts of their produce before it reaches the market.

Meanwhile, Food and Agriculture Organisation representative Dr Kachen Wongsathapornchai warns that El Niño could worsen food shortages, with its effects expected to continue into 2027.

He says more than 1.8 million people are already living in areas facing critical drought conditions.

Dr Wongsathapornchai says early action, better weather information and support for farmers are needed to protect food supplies and livelihoods.

This year’s World Food Day theme is Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow.