Cocoa industry getting K9mil boost, says Simon

THE cocoa industry will be getting an additional K9 million under the price support programme, says Minister for Agriculture and Livestock John Simon.
The Government has already given K10 million for the cocoa price support programme.
Addressing the Kadaulung cocoa farmer group in Gazelle, East New Britain, recently, Simon said the money was not for the Cocoa Board of PNG (CBPNG) or for officers.
“If you the cocoa farmers are happy, I will be happy also,” Simon said.
“You elect us to be your servant.”
Simon said he had a team in the province to work with the Cocoa Board of PNG to make sure the money reached the farmers.
He said many people were still complaining about the cocoa pod borer.
“You have to live with the disease and manage cocoa trees,” he said.