| Bibliography |
Turner, P.D. An assessment of the future of agriculture in Papua New Guinea, History of Agriculture Working Paper (42), 14 pages, Department of Primary Industry and University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, URL: https://hdl.handle.net/1885/733721635 |
| Abstract / Content summary |
The great reliance placed on agriculture by Papua New Guinea for both subsistence and export earnings makes its future development of paramount importance. The wide range of environments within the country offers considerable potential for agricultural expansion, although not all features are favourable. For the subsistence farmer, development should be mainly along the lines of increased productivity, both quality and quantity-wise, per unit area through manipulating the crops themselves, rather than attempting to manipulate the environment through use of expensive cultivation techniques and agrochemicals. Forestry potential is very great but exploitation needs to be closely controlled, with integrated follow-up programmes wherever possible. Considerable development could occur through expansion of export-orientated crops, such as oil palm, coconut, cocoa, tea, coffee and rubber, preferably through joint ventures between government and private enterprise, using the design of the Hoskins oil palm development as a basis. Further expansion of the livestock industry, together with development of more specialised crops such as essential oils, fruits, spices and medicinal plants, are all indicated. However, to achieve the country’s development, massive investment and dependence on foreign expertise will be required. To this must be linked high standards of management, greater individual productivity, and a considerable increase in research. [Original summary] |