The National Tuesday 01st May 2012
http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/32159

By JAMES LARAKI
ON Friday, the National Agricultural Research Institute will be commemorating 15 years of dedicated contribution to innovative agricultural development through scientific research, knowledge creation and information exchange. NARI has been in the forefront promoting and undertaking agricultural research for sustainable development since its establishment in 1997. In these 15 years, the institute has been recognised nationally and internationally as the lead research organisation of high development relevance to PNG. To commemorate its 15th anniversary, the institute will host its annual Agricultural Innovations Show on Friday at the Sir Alkan Tololo Research Centre, 10 Mile – Bubia, outside Lae. It is based on the theme “Investing in innovative agriculture for prosperity”.

The theme reaffirms NARI’s view that progress through innovative agricultural development is essential if PNG is to realise Vision 2050 and become a wealthy and prosperous nation.  The nation has the need, great potential and vast opportunity to prosper through innovative agriculture. To do that, the focus must be on investing in innovative agriculture. This is in line with NARI’s efforts to encourage consistent investment in agriculture, particularly in research to develop technologies and innovations which are crucial agents for innovative agriculture and rural development. With the economy projected to grow at about 8.5% and the LNG and other related projects coming on stream, PNG has a more favourable environment and opportunities now than ever before for all stakeholders to make positive contribution to innovative agricultural development in general, and to research, science and technology, in particular. Since its inception in 2007, the show has become a popular annual event to recognise and value the importance of innovations in agricultural development, and create and promote awareness on the significant role of research, science and technology in innovative agricultural and rural development.

The chief guest at the event will be the team leader of PNG Vision 2050 and director-general of the Office of Higher Education, Prof David Kavanamur. More than 50 research and development organisations, extension service providers, private sector, NGOs, women’s groups, innovative farmers and community groups will have the opportunity to display their inventions and innovations. NARI’s vision is to have a “prosperous PNG agricultural communities” and to realise this vision, it stands by its mission “to promote innovative agricultural development through scientific research, knowledge creation and information exchange”. NARI research and development programmes fall within the framework and priorities set by the government’s medium-term development plan, development strategic plan 2010-30, Vision 2050 and the national agricultural development plan.

They are designed to contribute to food security, improved incomes, growth and sustainable agricultural development in PNG. Their main targets are smallholder farmers and rural communities. In a bid to remain focused and efficient, NARI has adopted a four-tier system of planning comprising a corporate plan, strategic plan 2006-15 and strategy and results framework 2011-20. These plans, which chart the way forward for the immediate and medium terms, are translated into actions through annual implementation plans and reviews. An annual implementation plan for this year has been prepared and is being implemented. NARI will be demonstrating how it is addressing various needs and aspirations of the nation and its people. Its regional centres will participate with exhibitions and demonstrations on a wide range of activities. They cover innovative farming practices and improved crop varieties, livestock production and management practices, and resource management issues based on NARI’s applied and adaptive researches.

Farmers and the public will also get to know the technical, analytical and diagnostic services and up-to-date information that the Institute provides to the agriculture sector. So far, the institute has released 27 sets of improved technologies to the farming community. It is currently implementing more than 40 research and development projects. On the occasion of the 15th anniversary, NARI acknowledges the invaluable support from the government of PNG, AusAID, European Union, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and key collaborators and partners both locally and abroad. With continued support, NARI continues to work towards knowledge creation and technology generation and transfer as its core functions so as to improve agricultural productivity and production, reduce poverty, create broad-based economic growth and generate improved welfare for all in PNG. NARI strongly believes agricultural research and innovations should be the heart of agricultural development in PNG. And the annual Agricultural Innovations Show is one such effort that could lead towards agricultural innovations in the country.

This event which formally started in 2007 on the occasion of NARI’s 10th Anniversary is unique for the country because it is the first of its kind to recognise and value the importance of innovations in agricultural development. The show continues to provide opportunities for stakeholders in the agriculture sector and participants to see these innovations, which have the potential to promote and improve agriculture in PNG. It will allow stakeholders to come together to share information, exchange views and showcase their activities. While the importance of science, research and technology is appreciated for any development, these alone are not sufficient to bring real development and prosperity to the people. What is needed is to link research outputs to development impacts. We have to create an effective bridge between the scientific world and development. This is what NARI will do on Friday