LLGs receive fermentries

THE Nawaeb district development authority in Morobe is ensuring that its cocoa farmers are supported to increase their production.
It will organise trainings to cocoa farmers.
Local MP Kennedy Wenge yesterday handed over three cocoa fermentries to each of the three local level governments of Wain Erap, Nabak and Labuta.
“We have other cash crops like coffee and vanilla but now the DDA would like to see cocoa production increase,” said Wenge.
The district authority will fund trainings for the farmers so that they know how best to produce quality beans.
“We have so many people leaving school and are doing nothing. Such engagement at the village level will ensure that they are able to fend for themselves instead of relying on handouts,” he said.
On behalf of the three LLGs, David Angka of Ward Eight in Wain Erap said Wenge had been supplying them cocoa seedlings to plant.
“Now we have more cocoa gardens and the production at our end is high. We normally send them to fermentries in Huon Gulf but now we will produce our own dry bean for export,” Angka said.
He is optimistic that this year, they will be able to meet the demand for production.
“I am confident that when we ferment the beans, we will produce close to 30 bags. Now that we are still planting new seedlings, we will produce more than that,” he added.