What are the main staple foods in the lowlands of Papua New Guinea?

In the lowlands of Papua New Guinea, the primary staple foods are yams, taro, and bananas. Additionally, sago—a starch extracted from the pith of the sago palm—is a vital food source, particularly in the swampy regions along major waterways like the Sepik and Ramu rivers.123

These staples are often cultivated through slash-and-burn horticulture in forest clearings. While these crops form the foundation of the diet, they are frequently supplemented by other food sources, including pig husbandry, fishing, and the gathering of wild vegetables, fruits, and nuts. In coastal areas, marine products such as fish, shellfish, and sea turtles are also significant components of the local diet and are often traded with interior groups for root crops.21