The Unggai-Bena District Development Authority (DDA) in Papua New Guinea has disbursed K16,000 to the Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA) for acquiring early-generation elite potato seeds. These seeds, consisting of Generation 1 (G1) Sequoia and E2 potato varieties, aim to boost ware potato production in the district.
Electoral officers Elvis Rare and Jeff Nathan presented the payment at the FPDA Haus in Goroka. Mr. Rare emphasized the DDA's focus on agriculture under the guidance of local MP Kinoka Feo, noting, "To ensure agriculture extension services flow effectively into the district, the DDA is partnering key agriculture agencies." The cooperation with FPDA is part of broader efforts to advance commercial fresh produce value chains.
An established agreement between Unggai-Bena and FPDA since 2023 includes ongoing site identification for model farms and training for farmers. This collaboration seeks to enhance farmer capacities and explore trial plantings for commercially important crops.
Technical extension officers Nathan Ongorua and Delilah Pune commended the leadership of Mr. Feo in prioritizing agriculture within district development. They expressed gratitude to FPDA's potato program for supplying clean seeds, facilitating multiplication in Unggai-Bena. Mr. Ongorua stated, "This is history in the making. I believe, for the first time, a district is receiving huge volumes of elite and disease-free potato seeds from FPDA as the only certifying agency."
Primary site selections for trial plantings include higher altitude regions such as Yabiufa, Orumba Fanoa in Unggai LLG, and Fagasa in Bena, believed to be conducive for the E2 and Sequoia varieties. Seed growers and farmers will receive ongoing inspections and guidance to ensure optimal utilization and compliance with FPDA standards.
David Kaupa, a senior elite seed potato officer for FPDA's Eastern Zone, emphasized that early generations (G1-G3) are for multiplication under controlled environments and not for consumption or sale. Seeds must meet FPDA seed standards before advancing to ware potato production.
Source: Post-Courier