Erap Trukai Farm Showcases Rice Farming Model at Morobe Show

Erap Trukai Farm, a leading agricultural rice farm in Papua New Guinea, showcased its commercial field model today at the 2024 Morobe Show in Lae. The model provided visitors with a comprehensive overview of the rice farming process, from planting to harvesting. The display featured a silo cylinder that demonstrated the moisture content of the harvested rice before it undergoes a drying process.

Commercial crop supervisor Handry Justin explained that field rice typically contains 22% moisture, which must be reduced to 14-12% before further processing. Justin also highlighted the impact of irrigation on rice yields. When irrigation is used effectively, one hectare of land can produce between four and six tons of rice.



However, during periods of heavy rainfall, yields may be lower, ranging from three to four tons per hectare. The time required for rice to mature varies depending on the specific variety, but generally takes three to four months..