A dynamic poultry project driven by the Kairak Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (KCfSRD) is setting new benchmarks for sustainable agriculture and community empowerment in East New Britain Province. The initiative, supported by the National Government, as well as the World Bank, and the Cocoa Board PNG Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification Project (PACD), has already engaged more than 1, 000 farming households in the Gazelle district under a transformative poultry value chain model. Led by KCfSRD which is the outreach arm of the University of Natural Resources and Environment (UNRE), the project supplies broiler chickens to registered farmers, who rear the birds for up to six weeks before returning them to UNRE’s certified abattoir for processing. In its first production cycle alone, over 50, 000 chickens were distributed and processed. Kairak Centre Manager Mr. Hosea Turbarat, said that the project is more than just poultry; it has improved livelihoods, created jobs, and empowered local farmers to participate in a structured, value-driven agri-business model. Processed products such as drumsticks, wings, chicken breasts, and whole chickens are now being distributed across Kokopo and throughout the province. The UNRE abattoir, which has undergone significant upgrades including, installation of a standby generator and advanced processing equipment, ensures food safety and product quality with full National Agriculture and Quarantine Inspection Authority (NAQIA) certification. In addition, KCfSRD’s marketing efforts have secured commercial interest from retailers like links, supermarkets, institutions, and resource-sector clients. The team is actively working to meet demand and quality standards, especially in response to increased consumption of locally raised poultry following the government’s ban on frozen chicken imports. KCfSRD is leading two integrated projects under PACD which are North Baining Poultry, Piggery Commercialization and Galip Diversification, and Ataliklikun Commercial Small Livestock and Galip Diversification. Partners include the Baining and Vudal Vunapalading Cooperatives and Frangipani Foods Limited. Meanwhile, whilst piggery and galip nut activities are gaining momentum, the poultry rollout remains the most advanced and impactful. Farmers are not only producers, but they are also stakeholders and through dedicated training in broiler management, direct payments into individual accounts, and reinvestment mechanisms for future production, the model promotes self-sustaining SMEs. “The long-term goal is sustainability. With infrastructure funded by PACD and a secure market, farmers are positioned to take full ownership of their operations.” Furthermore, KCfSRD’s success story highlights how well-planned agricultural partnerships can strengthen food security, empower rural communities, and stimulate local economies. The project long term goal now is exploring export opportunities as it continues to solidify its footprint in Papua New Guinea’s food industry.