Business page

CCI and cocoa board allegedly not in harmony

A SUBMISSION is being prepared for the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock and Huon Gulf MP Sasa Zibe to intervene in alleged differences between the Cocoa and Coconut Institute and Cocoa Board in Morobe.
The differences have allegedly caused confusion among cocoa growers as they allegedly have not been collaborating in carrying out cocoa projects in the province.
According to Morobe grower’s spokesman and former Cocoa Board member Amos Walis, the two offices have duplicating responsibilities.
“The cocoa board is not liaising with CCI, wanting to carry out its own extension services and creating a conflict of interest,” Mr Walis claimed.
The CCI is mandated by the Government to carry out all extension services for both cocoa and coconut since its establishment in 1987.
The submission follows a meeting yesterday at the CCI Lae office initiated by cocoa growers to bring together the disputing parties and find means of addressing these to ensure cocoa work runs smoothly and farmers get much needed assistance.
The meeting saw in attendance cocoa board members, CCI and DAL officers and growers.