K1mil for East New Britain cocoa price support programme

With the Government cocoa price support programme that was recently introduced and rolled out in cocoa growing provinces, East New Britain (ENB) received K1 million. The Cocoa Board is distributing the K1 million provided by the Government to 29 cooperatives and cocoa buyers in East New Britain in the cocoa price support programme.
Board coordinator Moses Burin said they were following the directives from the Government. “We are told to approve K15,000 to K20,000 to roll out the programme,” he said. “This is to boost the interest of farmers.” Burin said the first payment had been completed.  There were requirements that farmers should meet to receive support such as the fermentary size and condition and to attend trainings. “Many have complained for not being selected but we based that on the requirements,” he said. “We cannot just go around distributing money and items to farmers. “We want quality cocoa production and good work.”Burin said there was an increase in demand so they were looking at people needing support. “Our main aim is to (ensure that) the maximum benefit must go to the farmers,” he said. “Other programmes that we are running like cocoa nurseries we partner with stakeholders.”