Grow PNG at the 14th NARI Innovation Show: Advancing Local Innovation and Partnerships in Agriculture

growpng
Dec 16, 2025
2 min read

Women farmers from the Kaiapit Development Association—a local farmer group of 30 representatives from Ragidumpiat Village in the Markham Valley—proudly showcased their locally grown cooking bananas, prepared in traditional clay pots, at the Grow PNG stall during the NARI Innovation Show 2025.

On 28 May 2025, Grow PNG proudly participated in the 14th National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) Innovation Show at the Sir Alkan Tololo Research Centre, 10-Mile Lae. Under the theme “Driving Commercial Agriculture through Research and Mechanization,” this year’s event brought together more than 20 key stakeholders spanning the agricultural value chain—including agribusinesses, machinery suppliers, farmer groups, development partners, and academic institutions.

Showcasing Local Partnerships and Community Innovation

For the first time, Grow PNG co-hosted an exhibit in partnership with the Markham District Development Authority (DDA) and the Kaiapit Development Association, which brought together a delegation of 30 farmers from Ragidumpiat Village. These farmers are part of the Markham Smart Farmers Association and are active participants in the ACIAR Papua New Guinea Resource Information System (PNGRIS) Project in the Atzera area.

The goal of bringing the farmers to the show was to:

Build networks with stakeholders across the agriculture sector
Strengthen exposure to relevant technologies
Enhance understanding of sustainable land-use management
Support the transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture

Community-Led Innovation: Locally Grown and Milled Rice

Grow PNG’s exhibit highlighted a powerful community-driven innovation—locally grown rice processed using an affordable, user-friendly rice mill. This simple technology demonstrated the significant potential of small-scale mechanization to increase value addition and income for rural communities.

A major highlight of the day was a live cooking demonstration led by women farmers, who prepared the freshly milled rice using traditional clay pots. Visitors enjoyed the unique taste of Markham-grown rice while experiencing the cultural richness and ingenuity of local women. The demonstration underscored the vital role of women in agri-food systems and the importance of value addition in driving agricultural innovation.

Empowering Farmers Through Visibility and Opportunity

The farmer representatives expressed deep appreciation to Grow PNG and the Markham DDA for enabling their participation. The event allowed them to gain visibility, exchange knowledge, and share the story of their associations and products with a national audience. Special recognition was given to Karo Nanivah and Betty Henry for their leadership and representation on behalf of the farmer groups.

Next Steps: Scaling Impact in the Markham Valley

Building on the success of the Innovation Show, Grow PNG is taking deliberate steps to:

Expand access to small-scale, affordable processing technologies
Strengthen market linkages for rural farmer groups
Promote inclusive participation in land-use planning and commercial agriculture across the Markham Valley

A Shared Commitment to Agricultural Transformation

Grow PNG extends sincere appreciation to NARI for hosting this impactful platform that celebrates innovation, knowledge exchange, and partnership. Together with our partners, we remain committed to driving agricultural transformation from the ground up—led by farmers, supported by research, and strengthened through collaboration.