Kuk Early Agricultural Site

area, Papua New Guinea

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Last updated

July 18, 2026

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The Kuk Early Agricultural Site, located in Papua New Guinea's Western Highlands, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Evidence suggests this area has been cultivated for at least 7,000 years, making it one of the earliest known locations of organized agriculture and its subsequent development.1

Archaeological findings at Kuk, including pollen from planted crops, starch traces on tools, and water management systems, indicate intensive agricultural activity dating back 7,000 years. This is significant because the current staple crop, the sweet potato, was introduced to the region only within the last 300-400 years. It is believed that taro was the primary staple crop for much of this long period of cultivation.2

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Papua New Guinea
Cultural institutions
In 2008 the Kuk Early Agricultural Site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. That land in the Western Highlands has been worked almost continuously for at least 7,000 years, and the site contains even earlier evidence of the beginning of organized agriculture and its subsequent development.
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In 2008 the Kuk Early Agricultural Site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. That land in the Western Highlands has been worked almost continuously for at least 7,000 years, and the site contains even earlier evidence of the beginning of organized agriculture and its subsequent development.
Read More