Innovative solar drying methods are enhancing the quality of bulb onions, aligning with Papua New Guinea’s economic goals for 2030.
Papua New Guinea is making strides in improving the quality of its bulb onions through the adoption of solar dryer technology. This advancement is a key component in achieving the nation’s 2030 objectives, which include a K200 billion Gross Domestic Production (GDP), the creation of one million jobs, and the development of 500,000 small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), as outlined by Prime Minister James Marape.
Wilson Thompson, president of the Highlands Farmers and Settlers Association Inc., has emphasized the significance of this innovation in a recent press release. The initiative, a collaboration between the Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA), the Food and Science Technology Department of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology, and British American Tobacco, which has invested K1 million in the project, aims to build 50 curing sheds over two years. Each shed, costing K20,000, is designed to enhance the drying and curing process for bulb onions.
Since the project began last year, primarily in the Highlands region, these sheds have been instrumental in improving the longevity and market competitiveness of bulb onions. Previously, bulb onions were often raw and wet, limiting their shelf life and competitiveness against imports. The new solar drying technology allows for effective curing, enabling the onions to be preserved longer and to compete more favorably in the market.
Thompson has underscored the broader economic impact of this technology. By improving local production capabilities, the initiative supports the Prime Minister’s ambitious economic and employment goals. He also highlighted the importance of addressing the gap between domestic demand and local supply, noting that this technology could help reduce rising prices and dependence on imports.
The implementation of solar dryer technology not only advances the quality of bulb onions but also supports broader economic development goals by fostering collaboration among farmers, businesses, NGOs, and research institutions. As Papua New Guinea continues to develop its agricultural sector, such innovations will be crucial in meeting both local and global market demands.
