PNGUoT FARM DELIVERS SECOND BATCH OF COCOA SEEDLINGS TO WAFI- GOLPU
The Papua New Guinea University of Technology’s (PNGUoT) Farm under the School of Agriculture, has supplied the second batch of 5,000 cocoa seedlings to Wafi-Golpu Joint Venture (WGJV) yesterday.
This latest delivery follows the initial batch supplied in March, fulfilling a 10,000 seedling order for WGJV’s cocoa program. The seedlings are given to the Buimo Correctional Institute, where they will be used in an inmate rehabilitation program designed to equip prisoners with farming skills and contribute to the cocoa industry and their home communities.
WGJV’s Sustainability Project Manager, Sheila Harou, praised PNGUoT’s reliability in meeting bulk orders.
“We are impressed with the delivery of the second batch of cocoa seedlings, as this shows PNGUoT’s commitment and capacity to supply large orders,” she said.
She added, “This will not be the last—we will continue to work with PNGUoT’s Farm on future projects.”
The University Farm, which operates a budwood garden and a commercial nursery, specializes in 18 varieties of hybrid cocoa clone seedlings. Priced at K5 per poly bag, the farm aims to promote the full range of its hybrids, encouraging farmers to diversify rather than limit themselves to just a few varieties.
PNGUoT Farm Manager, Joseph Kimagl, highlighted the growing interest in cocoa farming.
“With Wafi-Golpu collecting its second batch, it reflects the University Farm’s confidence and capacity to meet growing demand,” Kimagl said.
The farm also serves as a hub for agricultural research and education, supporting both academic studies and national agricultural development goals. Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resources, Professor Macquin Maino, linked the partnership to PNGUoT’s 2025–2029 strategic plan.
“Our plan emphasizes strategic partnerships that create positive impacts, rather than random activities. This delivery is a significant achievement for everyone involved,” he stated.
Head of the School of Agriculture, Professor Peter Manus, echoed this sentiment. “We are happy to meet stakeholder demand and support impactful programs like this one,” he said.
Buimo Prison Commander, Chief Superintendent Michael Wundia, expressed gratitude for the collaboration, which he said would make productive use of Buimo’s land and equip inmates with valuable skills.
“This project will train inmates in planting and managing hybrid cocoa clones so they can use these skills when they return to their communities,” Wundia said.
“We thank Wafi-Golpu and PNGUoT for this partnership that is helping our inmates build better futures