Papua New Guinea’s livestock industry must urgently adopt mechanised farming practices or face continued reliance on costly imported meat, according to Livestock Development Corporation Managing Director Terry G. Koim.
Speaking in March at Taliabi, 14 Mile outside Port Moresby, during the presentation of three newly acquired state-of-the-art tractors, Koim delivered a strong message to industry stakeholders, warning that the country can no longer sustain outdated, low-productivity farming systems.
“Business as usual is no longer acceptable,” Koim said. “We cannot continue operating at subsistence levels while millions are spent annually on imported meat. Mechanisation is not a luxury — it is a necessity.”
The tractors, procured under LDC’s Capacity Building Programme, will support pasture improvement and commercial animal feed production in line with the Government’s Medium-Term Development Plan IV. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to modernise the livestock sector and strengthen domestic production capacity.
Koim stressed that without scaling up mechanisation, Papua New Guinea’s livestock industry will struggle to meet growing domestic demand or compete effectively in the market. He framed mechanisation not only as a productivity tool, but as a strategic economic imperative linked to food security and import substitution.
The event also highlighted ongoing government backing for the sector, with LDC acknowledging support from the Marape government since 2020. This support has enabled the recovery of state-owned livestock assets, cattle restocking, and investment in infrastructure and workforce development.
Koim’s warning was reinforced by operational realities on the ground. Testimony from veteran tractor operator Rau Gilimo underscored the inefficiencies of outdated equipment, describing how poor machinery and exposure to harsh weather frequently disrupt farm operations, ultimately limiting output and increasing costs.
Senior LDC managers echoed the Managing Director’s remarks, emphasising that without modern agricultural technology, efforts to expand production and improve efficiency will continue to fall short.
Koim maintained that the choice facing PNG is clear: embrace mechanisation and transition to a commercially driven livestock industry, or remain constrained by subsistence practices and rising import bills.
“The time for discussion is over. The time for implementation is now,” he said.
The push for mechanisation aligns with national priorities to boost agriculture’s contribution to economic growth, reduce import dependency, and ensure long-term food security.
