Harvest exists to keep Papua New Guinea’s agricultural community connected, informed, and inspired. Our mission is to support agricultural extension service providers, farmers, teachers, and anyone passionate about agriculture and science by sharing clear, practical, and timely information from across the country. From village innovation to national research, Harvest brings together the stories, knowledge, and discoveries shaping agriculture and general science in Papua New Guinea—helping our readers stay engaged with the developments that matter for our land, our livelihoods, and our future.
Insects turn waste into stockfeed and fertiliser
NARI research officers are working on Black Soldier Fly larvae production systems to turn organic farm and kitchen waste into feed suitable for fish, pigs and poultry with residue used as a soil amendment or fertiliser. This will have economic, environmental and societal benefits.
Part of the reason why food crops and livestock extension in PNG is declining
Food crops and livestock production and productivity is at a standstill and declining for some components in Papua New Guinea, and part of the blame is attributed to failing extension delivery among other factors. This paper reasons that part of the failures in agricultural extension are due to the low number of extension staff and low financial resource allocation to support extension. In a country so diversified, and having poor road and transport and marketing infrastructure and in addition to relatively high illiteracy rate, increased investment in agriculture is needed for addressing rural food security, income and rural poverty.
How to produce many yams from a tuber: the yam mini-sett technique
A simple method of propagating many yams from a tuber is discussed below. The yam mini-sett technique is an improvement of traditional methods used by farmers in West Africa. The technique was improved upon by the National Root Crop Research Institute, Umdike, Nigeria, and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Albadan, Nigeria. This method which is currently being practiced in PNG by some farmers with promising results is discussed.
Village and farm schools show great success in the promotion of extension technologies in the Markham valley, Papua New Guinea
Discussed is the process of empowering farmers directly through training. The leader farmers were also encouraged and assisted to train others. The method was resorted to as a result of inadequate agricultural extension in the Huon and Kaiapit program areas. The results obtained indicated that village level training has economic benefits to rural households.
Practical methods to prevent soil erosion
Agriculture production can be sustained on a long-term basis if the soil, water and forest on which it is based are not degraded. In recent years, growing population has increased cultivation and moved onto marginal lands prone to erosion. Erosion makes it more difficult for roothold, nutrient uptake, and makes soil less able to retain water which results in decline of productivity. To use land to our advantage, we must begin to identifying simple, less expensive and practical methods of preventing soil erosion. Soil retention fences have been very effective traditional methods in some parts of Papua New Guinea, and with modification with use of contour planting, cover crop, deep ripping the prevention method be more effective. However the method used in one area may not apply significantly or achieve meaningful results and may have to be remedied to suit the local needs that are based on availability of materials and most important prevailing features.
Tipburn - a major problem of cabbage in the highlands and some recommendations for its control
Tipburn is a disorder of cabbages, cauliflower and lettuce caused by deficiency of calcium. A trial carried out on cabbage (var. Green Coronet) showed that all treatments containing boron (in the form of Solubor) significantly reduced the number of plants affected by tipburn. The reason for this is that the efficient uptake and transport of calcium depends on boron availability. Both boron and calcium are generally deficient in soils in the highlands of Papua New Guinea.
Foot rot vaccine trial at Menifo Sheep Breeding and Distribution Centre, Eastern Highlands Province
Foot rot is a problem with sheep at Menifo Sheep Breeding and Distribution Centre in the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. This experiment was conducted in 1987 and 1988 to find out the effects of the foot rot vaccine Vaxall Norot (Websters) against other management practices. There was loss of live weight in the vaccinated group of sheep, while no significant differences were observed between the treatment groups. This suggests that other control and management practices are adequate for controlling foot rot at Menifo and other sheep multiplication and distribution centres throughout Papua New Guinea.
Response of some species of Aeschynomene to application of phosphorus in Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea
A glasshouse experiment was conducted at Menifo Sheep Research Centre (1,405 masl) for a period of 28 weeks commencing in July 1996 to determine the responses of two cultivars of Aeschynomene americana, cv. Lee and cv. Glen, and two other species, A. vilosa (CPI 93621) and A. brasilliana (CPI 92519) to application of phosphorus. Both fertiliser treatments and genotypic differences had an effect on leaf dry-matter yield. Application of phosphorus significantly improved (P<0.01) the relative leaf dry matter yield by 32-47% and A. villosa (S3) produced a significantly higher (P<0.05) leaf dry-matter yield. There was no effect of phosphorus on stem dry-matter yield but between genotypes, A. americana, cv. Lee and A. villosa had significantly higher (P<0.05) stem dry-matter yield. Phosphorus had a significant effect (P<0.05) on root growth. Phosphorus also significantly improved (P<0.05) relative dry-matter yield in all genotypes by 40.52%. Leaf/stem and shoot/root ratios were not sensitive to application of phosphorus. A. brasilliana had a significantly high (P<0.05) leaf/stem ratio compared to A. americana, cv. Lee, cv. Glen and A. villosa. Conversely A. villosa had a significantly higher (P<0.001) shoot/root ratio followed by A. americana, cv. Lee while difference between A. americana cv. Glen and A. brasilliana was small. In terms of forage quality, A. brasilliana was more efficient on these soils. This study showed that phosphorous efficient species are valuable in reducing fertiliser requirements and can improve the returns obtained from application of moderate fertiliser.
Production and management systems used for goats in some island countries in the South Pacific region
In the South Pacific region, goats are not regarded as traditional animals. However, most countries have selected goat as an animal for consideration. Three systems of production are found: village system, semi-intensive system and extensive system. The number of animals kept, the people's culture and taboo have influenced the production system used in the country. Several constraints attribute to the low goat population and production in the South Pacific region. Amongst these are: low demand for goat meat in most countries except Fiji and Papua New Guinea; the taboo that most island countries' population do not like goat meat; that goat is considered as destructive animal therefore requires high fences to enclose them; high loses due to predators like dogs; environmental constraints; and technical, economic and social situation of goat keepers. Goats and their livestock can be integrated with cropping systems and due to their small size, goats could be more suitable than cattle.
How to maintain high production of asparagus beans
Asparagus or snake beans are a common vegetable grown by many Papua New Guineans. Leaves, tender pods and beans are edible and to increase their yield, new methods of harvesting and pruning are outlined for farmers to adopt.
A preliminary guide to produce vanilla in Papua New Guinea
Preliminary information on vanilla production intended for vanilla growers in Papua New Guinea is outlined below. It reports on trials done at Keravat Lowland Agricultural Experiment Station, Pacific Island countries where vanilla is grown, and experiences of farmers on the Gazelle Peninsula. Vanilla is a tropical climbing plant belonging to the Orchidaeceae family. Two species are of economic importance, Vanilla planifolia and V. tahitensis. Vanilla is native to Central America and was introduced to Papua New Guinea and other Pacific Islands during the 19th century. It grows well under moist, humid and shady conditions from sea level to about 600 m altitude. It requires light friable and well-watered soil but not water-logged and drained areas. When farming vanilla, it is advisable to grow on support trees which will also provide shade. Propagation is by cuttings of 80-100 cm. Cuttings should be planted at 2.5 m between and within rows depending on spacing of shade trees. Pollination is by hand and to produce commercially viable beans it must be done carefully.
Selected sago-based traditional food of Papua New Guinea
Sago is a staple food in the coastal flood plains of Papua New Guinea and is prepared in various forms. Eight sago-based traditional foods are described here. They were obtained from a survey conducted from 1992 to 1994. These foods included Dia, Kalua, Alung, Sago Fomo, Karamap saksak, Kilikan, Mona Sagu, and Sagu bamboo. Coconut, banana and peanut are normally combined with sago to improve the nutritional quality. Certain areas for upgrading these foods are discussed.
Bacterial wilt of potato caused by Pseudomonas solanacearum (Smith) and its control measures are discussed.
Traditional foods from starchy staples in Samoa (South Pacific)
Traditional foods need to be documented to develop a food processing database. A survey was conducted in Samoa to identify the various traditional food uses of taro (Colocasia, Xanthosoma, Alocasia), yam, cassava and breadfruit. These were described using appropriate flow charts. There is a role for these foods in the Samoan food industry and they can contribute to the snack food sector and small-scale food processing.
Nutritional and mineral composition of white bread in National Capital District (NCD), Papua New Guinea (PNG)
The nutritive and mineral composition of 10 samples of white bread sold in NCD, PNG, was investigated. The samples are rich in sodium, potassium and phosphorus but low in iron and calcium. The moisture, fat, ash and protein show a fair distribution thus making the bread samples comparable to those from overseas countries.
The main objective of this article is to briefly explain laser and how it works. The laser is one of those great achievements/inventions that man has to his service. Its applications are numerous: used in microsurgery, thermonuclear fusion, telecommunications, holography, etc. One of the most popular applications is in the world of sound and video, with the compact discs, CD-ROMS and DVD (digital video disc), which is based in a laser systems/device for reading information.
Performance evaluation of FLXI bio-gas digester for production of methane as domestic fuel
An FLXI bio-gas digester made out of very strong rubberized fabric was installed at Physics Field Station Facility at UPNG. Chicken waste and water were used in equal amounts as slurry for anaerobic digestion to produce methane gas. Initial results indicated that the combustible gas was produced along with a combination of other gases as perturbations to the production of methane.
Greenhouse gas mitigation: a prospect for establishing carbon offset industry in Papua New Guinea
One of the most prevailing global concerns to which we are a part is climate change and its effects on global, regional and local weather patterns, sea level rise and how these changes will affect our environment and socio-economic survival in the future. This global climate change has been going on over centuries, but became more so after the industrial revolution,in particular through the burning of fossilized fuels such as oil, gas and coal causing what is known as the greenhouse effect.
Man-made satellites and the changing world of communications
Astronomers define satellite as a celestial body that reflects light from the sun and rotates around a planet. Therefore, two types of satellites can now be recognised: natural and artificial or man-made.
Recommended management for 1000 broiler chicken projects
Poor performance of contracted broiler growers (1000-5000 broiler chickens per batch) in Morobe Province was investigated. Poor management was identified as being largely responsible for the problem. An alternative management system is recommended.
Practical management systems for backyard and small scale chicken layer projects - part 2: choice feeding system
A guide to better management of layer chickens to improve production and profitability using a choice feeding system is outlined. The wisdom of choice feeding, and the factors involved in the preparation and presentation of feeds using the feeding system are also discussed.
Practical management systems for backyard and small scale layer chicken projects - part 1: complete feeding system
A guide to better management of layer chickens for maximum production and profitability using a complete feeding system is outlined. Examples of development cash-flow for a deep litter system and a cage system are also presented.
Practical management systems for peri-urban broiler chicken production
Live chickens fetch high prices in urban markets. How farmers living close to these markets can go about servicing them without oversupplying them with live chickens is discussed. Two examples showing different types of schedules for stocking and selling finished birds are also given.
Some hands-on tips in calculating and formulating protein concentrate supplements for poultry
A guide to calculating and utilizing locally available feed ingredients in producing cheap protein concentrate supplements is discussed.
Research-extension approach to promote bulb onion production in dry-lowlands with special reference to Central Province in Papua New Guinea
Short-day onion varieties were evaluated at Laloki Research Station, Central Province, Papua New Guinea, over three years between 1991 to 1993. Potential varieties and planting time have been identified. With an increasing demand for bulb onions in Port Moresby an effective extension approach to promote these varieties and production techniques to the small-scale farmers in Central Province is required.
The potential of increasing yield and producing better quality aibika (Abelmoschus manihot) was tested using different levels of pure chicken manure. Three varieties were used and two methods of application were evaluated. Broadcasting manure was not effective. Incorporating manure into the soil before planting was the best method. Increased yields were recorded for 8 and 12 kg manure per plot. Yields for the first harvest showed that varieties L9 and L39 had maximum yields of 3.85 and 3.59 kg/plot at 8kg manure per plot (20 sq.m.). A high yielding variety, L45 produced 9.06 kg /plot at 12 kg manure per plot. On the other hand low yields were obtained for the broadcast method of application despite higher levels of manure used. Variety L9 had 1.78 kg/plot for 24 kg manure, L39 recorded 1.55 kg/plot for 10.70 kg manure and L45 with 2.99 kg/plot for 16 kg manure per plot.
Livestock production in South Fore census division of Okapa District in Eastern Highlands Province - present status and future needs
A livestock production needs assessment survey conducted in the South Fore census division in Okapa District, Eastern Highlands Province revealed valuable insight into the present status and the needs, constraints and development options as perceived by farmers. Seventy six per cent of the respondents owned pigs and 19% chicken while 21% did not have any livestock. The preferred livestock was chicken (73%) which was followed by ducks and goats (14%) and sheep (11%). The present status of pig and poultry production systems as revealed by the survey have been described.
Response of capsicum to application of sheep manure
A field trial was conducted from January to May 1995 at Ginitoka village near Goroka in the Eastern Highlands to evluate capsicum (Capsicum annuum) response to application of sheep manure. The treatments included four rates of sheep manure (0, 5, 10 and 15 tonnes/ha) and two NPK inorganic fertilizer applied at the normal recommended rate (1 tonne/ha) and one and a half times the recommended rate (1.5 tonne/ha) of application.
Management and operation of a chicken distribution centre
A guide to managing and operating a small Chicken Distribution Centre is outlined. Development Cash Budget for 500 day old chickens per batch is also presented.
Practical financial and record keeping procedures in managing a chicken project
A guide to projecting the cost and income and maintaining records of stock, feed and sales of produce for the benefit of cost benefit analysis of both broiler and layer chicken projects are outlined.