Industry tasked to increase output

 THE cocoa industry has been tasked to produce 310,000 tonnes by 2030, Department of Agriculture and Livestock Acting Deputy Secretary Potaisa Hombunaka says.  

He said one way to achieve the target was through partnerships with the provinces and districts which the industry was doing.

Hombunaka said cocoa production in the last financial year dropped, the country only exported 40,000 tonnes.

“By 2030, they (government) want to see that PNG is exporting 310,000 tonnes. That’s the government’s task. It’s given all the sectors a target to work towards. 

“By 2030, we are working towards a target, rather than just planting in a vacuum,” he said.

Hombunaka further noted that the target was achievable given significant government support in recent years.