Farm Harvests

Farm harvests and mills 200kg of rice

March 10, 2023

A TARGET set by the University Farm for rice seeds multiplication was achieved last week with over 200 kilograms of rice harvested and milled.

UNRE Farm Manager Alex Nugi said from the 2kg seeds received, the crops section harvested and milled 200 kilograms. 150 kilograms were milled for consumption and sold for K4 per kg whilst 50kgs were kept as seeds.

The rice variety Taichung Sen 10 (TCS 10) was delivered by Taiwan Technical Missions last year purposely for UNRE Farm to set up a rice distribution centre to supply farmers throughout the country.

The seeds were delivered by Dr Caleb Manamik Breria, an alumnus of National Pingtung University of Science and Technology in Taiwan on behalf of the Technical Mission.

This variety is suitable for PNG, in terms of quality and taste. It is highly nutritious and the most successful variety in PNG that has been trailed by the National Agricultural Research Institute. The plan was for the University to cultivate that 2kg to multiply the rice seeds and replant so that by the end of the year up to a tonne can be cultivated.

Mr Nugi said the farm plans to grow 100 acres of rice to supply to students and staff for consumption. Seeds will also be supplied to farmers.

He thanked the Officer in Charge of Rice farming, Robin Darby, Dr Breria for the initiative and farm workers for managing the rice crop.

He thanked the Officer in Charge of Rice farming, Robin Darby, Dr Breria for the initiative and farm workers for managing the rice crop.

Meanwhile, the Farm welcomed the birth of two lambs while the work on farming tilapia fingerlings has also commenced.

The Farm Operations has also increased poultry production with the first 500 Saver Brown layer DOCs delivered at the beginning of this year. There are plans for another 500.

“(We are) looking to produce 100dozens of eggs daily for (the) students mess starting next month,” said Mr Nugi.

He also reported the purchase of superior bull semen from Australia to improve cattle stock.

“This was brought onto the campus through CPL, one of UNRE’s collaborative partners. This is the first of its kind, thanks to UNRE Management and Nisala of CPL for facilitating,” he said.