Hybrid cocoa now grows in highlands area

Cocoa farmers from Aitape, the Sepik River, Namatanai, and Karamui in Chimbu were part of the PNG Cocoa Board’s display stall at the APEC Food Security Symposium.

The symposium was a great opportunity for the farmers to showcase their produce to visiting delegates.  

Cocoa, a traditionally grown crop in the coastal areas, is now also grown in Karamui, which is known for growing coffee. 

Climate change and soil fertility is now seeing hybrid cocoa grow there.

Norman Mondo is a pioneer cocoa farmer from Karamui.

Seven years ago, Cocoa Board introduced the hybrid cocoa in Karamui.

He said due to climate and soil fertility, the pods from Karamui can have to 67 beans, compared to 35 in the coastal areas.

Another farmer who was in Port Moresby for the Food Security Week is Sperian Kapia.

He is from the Ewat LLG along the Sepik River and thanked Cocoa Board for inviting him to attend the expo with them.

“We (farmers) feel the most pain with cocoa to transport over the river and then to Wewak to sell.

“So it’s a great opportunity to be here and see what is happening so we can take home and help them earn their living so they can help end poverty in Papua New Guinea,” he said.

Shane Clark’s family owns an SME in Namatani producing chocolate from cocoa.

He was also part of the team, showcasing the process of making chocolates right from the beginning.

“We have some chocolates from all different regions of PNG, all have very distinct flavors so it’s interesting for people to come and see that chocolate is not just chocolate, there’s a big differences in it and we have some very nice varieties and flavors in PNG,” Clark stated.

The PNG Cocoa Board’s goal is to improve the livelihood of farmers, processors, traders and other service providers involved in the industry.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton