In a bid to boost local rice production and reduce dependence on imports, Trukai Industries has launched the Smart Farmer Internship Program, an initiative aimed at developing skilled rice farmers for commercial-scale production. The program, which commenced in February 2025, is being held at Erap Farm in Lae, Morobe Province.
Alan Preston. Photo: Dev Nadkarni
According to Trukai CEO Alan Preston, the three-month training program is part of the company’s broader strategy to develop a self-sufficient rice industry in PNG. “We are empowering local farmers with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to transition from subsistence farming to commercial rice production,” Preston was quoted in PNGBusinessNews.com.
The inaugural batch of six farmers selected for the program will undergo intensive training covering agronomic practices, pest management, mechanised farming techniques, and post-harvest processing. Participants will also receive financial literacy training to help them manage and expand their farming businesses.
Agriculture Minister Aiye Tambua praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of strengthening domestic food security. “With rising global rice prices, investing in local production is crucial for PNG’s long-term economic and food security,” he said.
Trukai Industries has long been a key player in PNG’s rice sector, supplying over 80% of the nation’s rice. The company has invested heavily in local rice-growing projects, but large-scale domestic production has remained a challenge due to inadequate infrastructure and farmer capacity.
Preston remains optimistic, stating, “By equipping farmers with hands-on experience and technical support, we are creating a new generation of rice entrepreneurs who will help PNG move toward self-sufficiency.”
