Markham top cocoa exporter

By JIMMY KALEBE
MARKHAM Valley in Morobe has become the leading producer of export-quality cocoa in the province, followed by Huon Gulf and Lae.
Morobe exported K22 million worth of cocoa in 2017, with 35 per cent of that coming from the valley.
The district alone netted in 35 per cent of that amounting to K7.7 million. Cocoa Board regional manager Anton Ningi said Morobe exported 4000 tonnes of cocoa beans during that period.
He said with assistance from overseas partners like Outspan PNG Limited, other cocoa exporters and stakeholders, farmers would be in a better position to produce quality and quantity in the province.
Markham agriculture and livestock manager Phillip Giame said more than 300 farmers at 50 villages in Umi-Atzera and Onga-Wafa LLGs were involved in growing cocoa.
“The district has over 1.8 million cocoa trees in smallholder blocks,” he said.
“On record, annual sales to Outspan PNG Ltd and Agmark stands at 25,000 bags.”
Giame said there were currently 376 cocoa-fermenting kits registered with Cocoa Board in the province.
However, he said there needed to be more farmers in order for a higher production in coming years.
“In 2016 alone, Markham led Morobe in cocoa production,” Giame said.
“Out of the total 80,000 bags produced that year, the district produced 29, 000.” He said the board and other partners are working closely with farmers to increase the number of cocoa clones so that there was increase in production.
Giame said Markham was now focused on cocoa production.
He encouraged more participation to reap benefits for farmers and people in villages.