Free cocoa seedlings distributed to farmers

 FORTY cocoa farmers from all local level governments (LLGs) in Yangoru-Saussia district, East Sepik, each recently received 300 cocoa seedlings free, local MP Richard Maru says. 

He said the roll-out of the distribution of free cocoa seedlings started with first 40 farmers and would continue with next lot of farmers later.

District Development Authority chief executive officer Fantson Yaninen said the cocoa seedlings were free and distribution would continue this year onwards.

A new district cocoa office would be set up at Yangoru station.

The district cocoa office would deal with all issues concerning cocoa farming.

“A total of 10,000 seedlings were brought into the district from East New Britain,” Yaninen said. 

“The district had ordered a total of 60,000 seedlings but only 10,000 was brought in. 

“The other 50,000 would come at a later date and would be distributed throughout the district.”

Maru urged his people to be proactive and to venture into planting cocoa to earn an income.

“If you are lazy, you will have no money,” he said. 

“From this year onwards, the district will invest substantial funding to support our people start or expand their business. 

“Our target is to start 10,000 new SMEs in the district.”

He said not everyone would go into business as some would prefer to be employees.

“Once the Sepik plain oil palm project starts, those who have no businesses will be employed with the project,” Maru said. 

“There are a total of 35,000 potential businessmen and women. 10,000 from this will become formal business men and women and the other 20,000 will be employed by various agriculture companies to be established within the Sepik plain economic zone.”