Celebrating Agricultural Leadership in Markham District: 18 New Certified WAPP Trainers

Markham District continues to lead the way in agricultural transformation, aligning with Papua New Guinea’s National Strategy and Medium-Term Development Plan IV 2023–2027. This progress echoes the vision of the new Morobe Provincial Governor, Hon. Rainbo Paita, to unlock agricultural partnerships and promote value-adding industries, supporting the Prime Minister’s call for national agricultural development.

In a landmark achievement, Grow PNG, in collaboration with Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT), has certified 18 district officers and community leaders (3 females, 15 males) as Waba ‘Ani Agri Partnership Program (WAPP) trainers. This followed a 10-day Training of Trainers (17–27 November 2025), building on the WAPP launch in Mutzing. The program equips participants to deliver practical, culturally grounded training covering farming as a business, land governance, investor confidence, gender inclusion, and climate-smart agriculture.

Event Highlights:

• Opening Address: Dr. Rachel Aisoli-Orake (PhD), WAPP Coordinator PNGUoT, officially welcomed participants and opened the certification ceremony.

• DFAT/Australian Consulate Representation: Ruby Yamuna, representing the Australian High Commission PNG and Consul-General Lae Brenton Kanowski, thanked Grow PNG, MDDA, and the WAPP graduates. She highlighted Australia’s continued support for local agribusiness and PNG-led initiatives, acknowledging graduates’ leadership in sustainable rural development.

• Keynote Address: Prof. Garry Sali, Deputy Vice Chancellor PNGUoT, emphasized rural development and community empowerment, promoting agriculture as an economic driver. He reinforced PNGUoT’s vision, “Take Records for the Real World,” highlighting practical, community-focused education.

• WAPP Participant Speech: John Yamin, President of the Markham Food Cooperative, expressed gratitude to trainers and stakeholders. He highlighted WAPP’s role in building skills, confidence, and a business mindset, recognizing Markham as a blueprint for agricultural development.

• Closing Remarks: Ruthy David Kusak, Interim Country Director of Grow PNG, thanked MDDA, participants, and local communities. She emphasized WAPP’s impact on skills and confidence, urging trainers to apply their learning to drive agribusiness growth, responsible investment, and community empowerment.

The newly certified trainers are now equipped to deliver WAPP training to ILGs, cooperatives, women’s and youth groups across the Markham Valley, further strengthening local capacity and leadership in agriculture.

Prof. Garry Sali, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of PNG University of Technology, presenting the official WAPP ToT certification to the first cohort of certified trainers at Duncanson Hall, PNG University of Technology.

Special Thanks

Our success would not have been possible without the dedication and support of our partners: Watarais farmer reps, Farmset, Mainland Holdings Ltd, Wafi-Golpu Joint Venture, Trukai Industries Limited, Adventist Development Relief Agencity (ADRA) PNG, National Agriculture Research Institute, Sere J Pacific, Provincial Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) , Kokonas Indastri Koporesen, Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA), and community leaders.

We also acknowledge the invaluable support of: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade | Grow Asia | Markham District Development Authority