More than 30 residents from Mepu Community in Kiunga, Western Province, have received over 100 pieces of African yam minisetts and NARI taro suckers (4 varieties; NT1, NT2, NT5, NT6) for planting as part of the Ok Tedi Development Foundation’s (OTDF) ongoing Food Security Program.
The distribution and one-day agricultural extension field demonstration were held on November 10 and hosted by the Mepu SDA Church. A total of 37 participants attended from Mepu and nearby areas including Seven Kona, Mission Kona, and Rubber Kona.
According to OTDF’s Food Security Program, Agriculture Extension Officer, Jethro Robert, the initiative aims to ensure that local communities have a consistent and sustainable supply of starchy food throughout the year. “Our focus is on encouraging households to grow drought-resistant and high-yield crops that can withstand harsh weather conditions,” Robert said. “African yams, in particular, have proven to be resilient and suitable for Western Province’s varying wet and dry seasons.”
Robert added that after three years of field trails in Middle Fly & South Fly, the African yam has shown strong adaptability to local soil and climate conditions, producing reliable yields even in challenging environments. “The crop’s resilience makes it an ideal source of food security for our rural communities,” he explained.
During the field demonstration, participants learned the practical planting and soil preparation techniques to improve productivity. Many mothers who received the yam seeds and taro suckers were overjoyed and eager to learn the basics of cultivating these crops. Their excitement reflected a growing commitment among families to strengthen household food production and reduce dependence on store goods.
L-R OTDF Food Security Officer Minister Gibson Totona and his wife, Marlin Gibson
Minister Gibson Totona and his wife, Marlin Gibson, were also excited to be part of the program. Minister Totona expressed deep appreciation to OTDF and its partner, the North Fly District Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL), for their collaboration in supporting rural farmers. “This partnership is helping our people grow their own food and become self-reliant,” he said.
As part of OTDF’s follow-up plan, the team will return after one year to demonstrate seed multiplication techniques for African yam and NARI taro.
Through initiatives like this, OTDF continues to promote sustainable agriculture and improve food security across Western Province.
