For Consultants

Research that works for developing countries and Australia

 

Improving marketing efficiency, postharvest management and value addition of sweet potato in Papua New Guinea

Project ID:
ASEM/2006/035: Improving marketing efficiency, postharvest management and value addition of sweet potato in Papua New Guinea
Collaborating Countries:
Papua New Guinea
Commissioned Organisation:
University of Canberra, Australia
Project Leader
Dr Christie Chang
Phone: 02 6773 2855
Fax: 02 6773 3596
Email: hchang@une.edu.au
Collaborating Institutions:
  • National Agricultural Research Institute, Papua New Guinea
  • Fresh Produce Development Agency Ltd, Papua New Guinea
  • NSW Department of Primary Industries, Australia
  • Rural Women's Development Initiative, Papua New Guinea
Project Budget:
$947,871
Project Duration:
01/01/2008 - 31/12/2010
ACIAR Research Program Manager
Dr Caroline Lemerle
Project Overview

Sweet potato is a major staple food crop in Papua New Guinea, providing 43% of total dietary intake (as measured by weight and food energy). Annual production is currently 3 million tonnes with 75% of this crop produced in the Highlands. As a subsistence crop, most sweet potato produced in the Highlands has been used for home consumption as food and animal feed, but an increasing amount is being sold locally and to the markets in Lae and Port Moresby.

Postharvest losses from farm to market are high as a result of poor handling, storage and transportation techniques. Consultation with PNG partners have identified consumer preferences, marketing and postharvest management of sweet potatoes as priority research areas that need to be addressed. The Australian potato industry also faces similar postharvest losses, particularly through rot and breakdown during export. This project has two components, one in PNG focused on the sweet potato supply chain, and one in Australia focused on the potato supply chain. It aims to improve the livelihoods of farmers and other participants in the supply chains by improving marketing efficiency, postharvest management and value addition.