Six students from Papua New Guinea, including three from North Fly District, Western Province, have successfully completed 11 months of hands-on, intensive and transformative agricultural training in Israel.
Part of their program included farming using Israeli technologies and innovations such as precision agriculture, drip irrigation systems, post-harvest processing, etc. These Israeli technologies are widely applied in harsh desert farmland in Israel and other parts of the world to increase productivity, sustainability and profitability.
Northfly MP James Donald said he was proud of the students returning home after completing their training.
“To see not only their successful completion of the training but the dedication, enthusiasm and courage they have shown throughout their learning period, their ability to adapt, cope and work in the hot desert environment and to remain calm and fortitude during the conflict between Palestinian Hamas terrorists and host nation Israel is a testament to true resilience and determination to succeed in the agricultural sector of Northfly, Western and PNG,” he said.
Donald said two members of staff and one DDA director travelled to Israel to attend last week’s graduation ceremony, representing DDA, North Fly District, Western and PNG.
He said that on their return, the three would be immediately deployed in the NFDDA’s agriculture department and would use their new knowledge and skills to drive substantial improvements in agricultural practices and production in the district.
Donald said the NFDDA plans to send its next 20 students to Israel for similar training by the end of the year, with the goal of training more than 50 students by 2027.
“This will enable the district to embark on large-scale commercial agriculture and supply a range of fresh produce, including fruits and vegetables, to markets in Northfly, Western and neighbouring counties.”
“We will not rest until we mobilize the right people, the right technology and the right expertise for agriculture.”
He said the NFDDA had entered into an agreement with the Israeli government through Innovative Agro Industries in Port Moresby and paid 1 million kwacha last year as part of a partnership agreement.
“The training in Israel will be an ongoing programme as part of our commitment and vision to make agriculture a beacon of hope and prosperity for Northfly and the Western Province following the closure of the Ok Tedi mine.”
“It is not only necessary but ‘critical’ for the district to invest in agricultural training for young people.
“Action takes real work, dedication, determination and sacrifice,” Donald said.
He said the North Fly district sends students to acquire skills in more advanced farming methods and techniques, relevant equipment, use of appropriate technology (machinery) and innovation.
