Farmers get tools to boost cocoa bean production

FARMERS from Kunua, North Bougainville, received new tools and equipment from the Mahari constituency recently to increase cocoa bean production and household income.
According to a statement from the Australian High Commission, the tools presented to the Queerie economic unit in Puto village included wheelbarrows, fertiliser, chainsaws, secateurs, bow saws, pole pruners and a tractor.
Farmer Steven Hetsi said he was grateful for the tools, which would make cocoa farming easier.
“In the past, we used bush knives to work in the farms. With the new tools there will be a big change to generate sufficient income that can support me and my family,” Hetsi said.
The Queerie economic unit, comprising 50 farmers, was awarded a K380,000 grant last June.
The funds were issued to cocoa farmer groups to boost cocoa production through farmer training, equipment provision and farm management support.
Another cocoa farmer Rufina Panume said the tools would assist in protecting plants from pests and improving cocoa bean production for the benefit of her family.
“For me as a mother, the cocoa farm income generation will assist me in paying for school fees, medicines and to support my family and community,” Panume said.
Launched in March 2016, the grants scheme has assisted more than 1,300 farmers and aims to increase cocoa production, improve cocoa quality and provide access to better markets for Bougainvillean farmers.