A groundbreaking poultry initiative spearheaded by the Kairak Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (KCfSRD) is making waves across East New Britain Province, setting a good example for the rest of the country in such livestock venture.

With backing from the Papua New Guinea Government, World Bank, and the Cocoa Board’s PNG Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification Project (PACD), the Kairak poultry project has successfully mobilized over 1,000 farming households. These farmers, spread across the Gazelle district, are now actively engaged in a growing poultry supply chain that extends from rural coops to supermarket shelves, educational institutions and hotel kitchens.

According to KCfSRD manager Hosea Turbarat, the first cycle of operations has seen the distribution of 50,000 broiler chickens to local farmers. After rearing the birds for up to six weeks, farmers return them to the University of Natural Resources and Environment (UNRE)’s certified abattoir for processing. The poultry meat is then sold as drumsticks, wings, breasts, and whole chickens at competitive prices throughout Kokopo, Rabaul and surrounding areas.

“This project isn’t just about farming—it’s about building an ecosystem,” said Turbarat. “We’ve helped farmers earn income, improved the abattoir’s infrastructure, and stimulated job creation in our communities. It’s a full-circle value chain.” The UNRE abattoir, a key node in this value chain, has undergone notable upgrades. Equipped with a standby generator, modern plucking machines, and improved water systems, the facility now provides quality-assured, NAQIA-certified poultry to local markets. Medical checks ensure handler hygiene and safety, strengthening consumer confidence.

A strong marketing campaign has underpinned the project’s success, with outreach extending to major retailers, supermarkets, educational institutions, and even mining companies such as Lihir and Simberi. Mr Turbarat said the local distributor Links has emerged as a critical player, frequently purchasing products for resale across its network of outlets.

While the poultry arm has taken off swiftly, the larger PACD partnership encompasses ambitions beyond chickens. KCfSRD is the lead partner for two multifaceted projects—North Baining Poultry, Piggery Commercialization and Galip Diversification, and Ataliklikun Commercial Small Livestock and Galip Diversification.

With partner organizations like Baining Cooperative Society, Vudal Vunapalading Cooperative, and Frangipani Foods Ltd., the program also targets the expansion of pig farming and galip nut processing. Galip processing facilities are already being procured, while piggery operations are being developed in tandem.

Farmers involved in the poultry venture receive broiler management training prior to raising their batches. They are paid directly into personal accounts, creating transparency and financial literacy. “We’re transitioning the project into farmer-run SMEs,” said Turbarat. “By the third cycle, farmers will cover their own costs while retaining most of the profits.”

This structure encourages self-sufficiency and long-term sustainability. PACD-funded infrastructure—like chicken sheds and feed sources—is already in place, and many farmers are now reinvesting earnings into subsequent production cycles.

The project’s timing couldn’t be better. With a national ban on frozen chicken imports, demand for locally sourced poultry is high. The Kairak team is now eyeing larger institutional orders and even potential exports. “If we secure the domestic market, we can look outward,” Turbarat noted. “But quality remains our cornerstone.” Ultimately, the Kairak poultry project exemplifies how targeted agricultural investments can promote food security, rural enterprise, and economic resilience in Papua New Guinea. As Turbarat puts it: “This isn’t just about chicken. It’s about creating livelihoods and transforming how rural Papua New Guinea does business.”