Official says borer threatening Morobe cocoa output and quality

THE incursion of the cocoa pod borer that transited via Siassi Island from West New Britain is threatening the fruit’s production and quality in Morobe, an agriculture officer says.
Morobe Agriculture and Livestock division programme adviser Ken Elonaga said cocoa production and quality in Morobe had been under threat from the borer in recent years. The borer transited through Siassi Island from WNB, and is currently in Markham.
The PNG Cocoa Board had initiated some mechanisms to prevent the borer from affecting production and quality.
The mechanisms include the containment of pest management practices by pruning branches and fruits containing the borer (larvae), not disturbing uninfected fruits and trees, and introducing a borer-resistant variety.
“In terms of production and quality, it really declined and farmers are enduring low production,” Elonaga said.
“But it is a challenge that we are coping with it by setting new mechanisms to maintain quality production.”
He said much of the produce in the country was exported to buyers overseas.
“Already in Europe, PNG cocoa is regarded as a ‘smoke-stained’ product and most of our products are sold to Asian markets that have the brains to improve its quality,” Elonaga said.
Most farmers in East New Britain are using solar driers while it is yet to be introduced in Morobe. The two main cash crops in Morobe are cocoa for lowlands and coffee for hinterlands while coconut reverted to domestic consumption, with vanilla being price-driven.
Elonaga said Morobe was free from the coffee berry borer, and the department looking at introducing honey beekeeping and citrus farming to realign with coffee farming.