Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has commended the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) for unveiling plans to establish a state-of- the-art Information and Data Centre at its Bubia headquarters in Morobe Province. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to modernise Papua New Guinea’s agriculture sector through innovation, data-driven decision-making, and inclusive development.
Announced during the 14th NARI Agricultural Innovations Show on 28 May 2025, where Prime Minister Marape delivered the opening address, the proposed two-storey facility will serve as a national hub for agricultural knowledge, data management, and public access to research materials. It aims to support farmers, researchers, policymakers, and development partners by providing timely and relevant information to enhance productivity and resilience in the agriculture sector.
Prime Minister Marape stated, “As we celebrate 50 years of independence, initiatives like NARI’s Information and Data Centre exemplify our nation’s progress towards a smarter, more innovative future. This facility will empower our farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary to transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture, fostering economic growth and food security.”
The Morobe Provincial Government has pledged K2 million in seed funding for the project, with an additional K4 million requested to support full implementation. The centre will feature modern amenities, including accessibility features for persons with disabilities, and will house archives, a library, meeting rooms, and offices dedicated to publications and visual resources.
NARI Director-General Dr Nelson Simbiken emphasised the centre’s role in transforming PNG’s agriculture sector, stating, “This is more than just a building; it’s a commitment to evidence-based planning and smart farming. By centralising agricultural information and data, we aim to support better decision-making and drive innovation across the sector.”
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed the government’s support for such transformative projects, highlighting their importance in achieving the nation’s Vision 2050 goals. “Investing in agricultural research and infrastructure is crucial for our country’s sustainable development. We will continue to support initiatives that enhance our farmers’ capabilities and contribute to our national prosperity,” he said.
