COCOA EMERGES AS MAJOR ECONOMIC DRIVER IN EHP

BY VICKY BAUNKE, Goroka

THE recent launch of the fifth phase of cocoa seedling distribution program in Eastern Highlands Provincial Government, reinforces agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and rural development.

The initiative comes as cocoa emerges as the province’s second-largest cash crop after coffee, providing a growing source of income for thousands of farming families.

Eastern Highlands Governor Simon Sia said agriculture remains the most sustainable pathway for economic empowerment and urged Papua New Guineans, particularly young people, to make productive use of available land.

Cocoa was first introduced to the province in 2009 through a small trial program and fifteen years later, the crop has expanded rapidly, with more than 7,500 farmers now involved in cocoa production across Eastern Highlands.

According to the Division of Agriculture and Livestock, an estimated 185,000 cocoa trees are now in production, with farmers supplying increasing volumes of cocoa beans to local markets and buyers.

The provincial government has invested more than K460,000 over the past five years to establish the industry and has allocated a further K350,000 this year to expand seedling distribution and farmer support programs.

Governor Sia said the success of cocoa demonstrates the importance of investing in renewable industries that create long-term economic opportunities for rural communities, especially as Papua New Guinea looks to diversify beyond extractive industries such as oil, gas and mining.

The program is expected to further boost household incomes, create employment opportunities and strengthen agricultural production across the province.