Abstract
Increasing biomass production based on the large-scale developments of farm field in unutilized lands is one of the global issues that must be examined under the current increasing demands for biomass. Large areas of unutilized land remain, such as the grass lands and flood plain in East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea, with rich precipitation and adequate temperature. Sago palm is one of the crops adapted to the local environment in this region but is currently used only by the local people as their staple food on a small scale. This study advocates for the development of a comprehensive biomass production base that includes sago palm plantation. According to the result of satellite image analysis and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission data, the available grass land area is considered to be 200,000ha with a topography that changes from hilly to flat from north to south. The area near the flood plain of Sepik River is flat and low as a result of which water logging usually occurs in the rainy season. Pedological survey results show heavy clay distribution on a large part of the site. With regards to the topographic and pedological characteristics, a diversified plantation is an alternative idea for farm field extension. In such a plantation, each crop is planted in the zone with the most appropriate environmental conditions, sago palm being one such crop.
https://ror.org/02956yf07 
