TRUKAI & PAU PARTNERSHIP CONTINUES TO ENHANCE RICE FARMING SKILLS
By Sharon AGAVI
THE Trukai Smart Farmer Program, in collaboration with Pacific Adventist University (PAU), is currently conducting on-campus training for its fourth batch of farmers enrolled in a Certificate in Irrigated Rice Farming course.
The training began on June 23 and will continue until 4th July, 2025.
This partnership aims to provide agricultural training and education to farmers, with PAU offering theory and Trukai Industries providing practical, hands-on experience through its Smart Farmer Program.
PAU Trukai Industries Limited Rice Development Department, Site Manager Mr. Thomas Tetu stated that the training helps transform subsistence farmers into semi-commercial and eventually to commercial rice producers.
The current batch comprises 93 farmers mostly from the Southern region, out of which 22 are females and 20 final-year PAU students from the School of Science and Technology.
Mr. Tetu said upon completion of the theoretical training in key four key modules; Introduction to Rice Farming, Rice Environment and Irrigation Farming, Rice Cultivation Cycle, Rice Farming Business and Management, the participants will return to their respective provinces to engage in 18 weeks of practical training.
After the practical experience, they will be assessed by Trukai Farmers and awarded certificates.
The program officially began in 2022, however, for Pacific Adventist University it started in 2024, graduating its first and second batches.
The Trukai Rice Farmers Program, under the Rice Development Department of Trukai Industries, aims to equip local farmers with the skills and knowledge necessary for planting rice using irrigation, an effective method of providing water to crops to enhance growth.
The Smart Farmer Program is designed to empower participants with the knowledge and skills needed to grow rice on a commercial scale.
Successful graduates may be offered internships and potential employment opportunities with Trukai Industries, aligning with Trukai’s broader commitment to supporting rice development in Papua New Guinea.
