3-Day COCOA TRAINING EMPOWERS FARMERS IN POPONDETTA
By Mimi PIO
A three-day basic cocoa training program kicked off at Huvivi, Popondetta District in Northern on Wednesday March 26th, 2025.
The initiative aims to empower the next generation of cocoa farmers and contribute to the sustainable development of Popondetta District’s agricultural sector.
Department of Agriculture and Livestock Coordinator for Popondetta District, Mark Pio, thanked the program Facilitator who is a local for coming up with the initiative.
He said, this type of training will support individuals interested in planting cocoa as a cash crop.
Pio, emphasized on the training’s inclusivity, highlighting that both men and women are welcome to participate.
“This cocoa training is gender-inclusive. Both men and women are encouraged to attend”.
The training will cover basic essential cocoa farming techniques, including how to nursery cocoa seedlings, planting, cloning, harvesting, drying cocoa beans, and selling the produce.
Pio explained that while there is surplus land in the region, many locals lack the foundational knowledge of cocoa farming. Thus, it is important to provide proper training before distributing cocoa seedlings to new farmers.
Timothy Ganeba, a representative from Cocoa Board PNG, addressed the attendees, highlighting the recent increase in cocoa prices in Oro Province. “With the rise in cocoa prices, this is an excellent opportunity for the youth to engage in cocoa farming”.
Ganeba encouraged youths to fully participate in the program, and learn and use the knowledge to become successful farmers.
“you can earn a sustainable income and avoid getting involved in unlawful activities in the community” Ganeba said. The opening of the training was witnessed by various key figures, including DAL officers from Popondetta District, Cocoa Board PNG representative, Popondetta District Project Coordinator and local community members
