ISHS Acta Horticulturae 621: XXVI International Horticultural Congress: Horticultural Science in Emerging Economies, Issues and Constraints
PRIORITIES FOR HORTICULTURAL RESEARCH IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA |
| Author: | G.C. Wiles |
| Abstract:
The horticultural industry in Papua New Guinea (PNG) comprises two distinct sectors. There is substantial subsistence oriented production of fruit and vegetables, characterised by low input smallholder farming techniques. There is also an important and growing market-oriented production of fruit and vegetables, primarily for the domestic market, and spice crops, notably vanilla, destined for the export market. NARI has focused considerable effort on identifying research priorities, so as best to use the scarce human and financial resources. In the case of PNG industry lobby groups and grower organisations are weak and it has been necessary for NARI to undertake a proactive consultation process in order to determine research needs. This process has comprised specialist workshops, visits to provinces to gather firsthand information on research needs in different parts of the country, and a National Consultative Workshop on Research Priorities. The outcomes of this consultation process are now being refined to identify research areas and research projects worthy of support. For horticultural crops the priorities identified so far cover vegetable crops, fruits and nuts and spices. For vegetable crops priorities identified are: improved understanding of market demand and marketing costs; reliable information on production costs; identification of the best varieties for different agro-ecological conditions; reduction of crop losses due to pests and diseases; addressing soil fertility issues; developing production packages for specialty crops; and reducing post-harvest losses. In the case of fruit and nut crops priorities are similar, but also include research on propagation techniques and domestication of indigenous species such as galip nut. For spice crops the major research focus is on vanilla, as a result of rapid farmer-led expansion in production. There is a need to adapt production practices and processing techniques used in other countries to PNG conditions and identify the best environments for vanilla production within PNG. | |
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