COCOA SECTOR HAS CHALLENGES DESPITE HIGH GLOBAL DEMAND IN PRICES
PAPUA New Guinea’s cocoa sector is facing challenges despite the wave of high global demand and prices.
In a recent Cocoa Board Press Conference, CEO Jesse Tukup Anjen highlighted the impressive strides made and emphasised that these internal challenges must be addressed to fully realise the potential of cocoa.
He says, while high prices are expected to continue, PNG is currently behind on fulfilling previous orders, delaying new production from reaching the market. However, this also offers a chance for expansion.
Cocoa cultivation has now spread to 21 of PNG’s 22 provinces, aligning with the Marape-Ross government’s focus on agriculture and its goal of creating 2 million jobs.
Assistant Executive Manager Industry and Cooperate Services Mr Adam Mera emphasized that the need to combat issues like theft and poor processing practices, will threaten the reputation of PNG’s cocoa.
He says, Cocoa, with its potential for growth, is well-positioned to contribute significantly to this ambitious target.
But the path to becoming a major cocoa exporter is not without its hurdles. Maintaining quality is paramount.
Theft remains a significant concern, impacting both farmers’ livelihoods and the overall quality of the product and stressing the need for effective measures to address this issue.
Furthermore, Mr Adam says, competition from other cash crops like oil palm and coffee presents a challenge.
Farmers often switch between crops based on market prices, requiring strategies to support diversified income streams without sacrificing cocoa production.
The Cocoa Board is exploring initiatives to encourage complementary crop cultivation and ensure stable, profitable prices for cocoa.
Seed supply and demand are also critical. Current seedling production is not meeting demand, leading to plans for establishing new seed gardens.
The Board emphasized the technical expertise required to produce high-quality seedlings is vital for maximizing yields.
It was highlighted that supporting farmers with training, resources, and access to quality seedlings is crucial for long-term success.
The conference concluded with a call to action where the CEO thanked the Marape Government for its support and urged continued investment in the agricultural sector.
The potential for cocoa to become a major economic driver was reiterated, emphasizing the need for increased production, improved infrastructure, and a focus on quality to maintain high prices in the face of global competition.
The message was clear: collaboration among all stakeholders is essential to unlock the full potential of PNG’s cocoa industry and secure its future as a significant player in the global market.
