MELBOURNE, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape has commended the multifunctional applications of China-developed Juncao grass, highlighting its practicality for the local community during a recent tour of a Juncao project site in rural PNG.
Marape visited the China-aided Juncao technology and upland rice technology project in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, on Sunday, accompanied by a number of high-ranking government officials.
Juncao, a hybrid grass originally developed in China for mushroom cultivation, has evolved into a versatile agricultural resource, enhancing food security, generating income, and promoting environmental protection.
During the visit, Marape expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its assistance and emphasized that PNG will continue to strengthen nationwide promotion efforts to benefit more farmers.
The China-aided Juncao technology and upland rice technology project was officially inaugurated on Sept. 29, 2025.
Hailed as a milestone for China-PNG cooperation, the project covers an area of 1.68 hectares and is equipped with capabilities for quality seed propagation, technical training, and production and processing demonstrations.
It is expected to substantially advance the adoption and dissemination of Juncao grass and upland rice cultivation technology in PNG, while China will train a team of local agricultural professionals to ensure the project's long-term sustainability. ■