Pastor Kisua Yasum, a farmer from Sapuka Village (R) attending to students questions
The Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) proudly participated in the National Agriculture Research System (NARS) Agriculture Show in Lae on 12 May 2026, showcasing the outcomes of its food security program and its strong partnership with the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI).
OTDF’s presence at the show highlighted its commitment to improving rural livelihoods across Western Province through sustainable agriculture. The foundation used the platform to showcase taro and rice grown in the impact communities and demonstrated how its food security program is empowering communities within its Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) regions to achieve improved nutrition, increased crop production, and sustainable income generation.
Pastor Kisua Yasum, a farmer from Sapuka Village of the CMCA Suki Fly Gogo Trust in South Fly, shared how the program has transformed his living and the community: “Through OTDF’s support and NARI training, we have seen real improvements in our gardens and food supply. As one of the first farmers and landowner Ps Kisua and his family gave portion of the clan’s land to the OTDF Food Security program to establish the project which has now developed over the space of 5 years. “We are now producing more rice, feeding our families better, and earning income from surplus crops. This program is changing our lives,” he said.
According to OTDF Food Security Officer Mr. Jethro Roberts, the three farmers in Sapuka harvested 580 Kilograms from their rice fields for personal consumption and sold the excess yield earning a total of K8,649.00.
“The outcome is favourable, which we will continue to support the farmers under the program”, he said.
Acting Executive Manager Program Services and Program Services Operations Manager, Mr. Philemon Nahuet, emphasised the value of collaboration in delivering tangible results for communities.
“Our participation at the NARS Agriculture Show allows us to showcase the real outcomes of our food security program and the impact of our partnership with NARI. Through this collaboration, we are equipping communities with practical skills, improved crop varieties, and knowledge to build resilient and self-sustaining livelihoods,” said Mr. Nahuet.
OTDF partners with NARI to deliver improved crop varieties to our communities, promote NARI’s research, best management practices, introduce climate-resilient crops, and promote modern farming systems suited to local conditions. This partnership ensures that research and innovation are translated into practical solutions that benefit rural farmers.
OTDF’s participation reinforces its dedication to strengthening partnerships and delivering impactful, community-driven development outcomes.
