Project delivers dryers, aims to boost cocoa quality

SIRIEPA Agri-Business Group is one of five cocoa farmer groups from Wakunai in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) to receive a new cocoa dryer to help improve cocoa quality and enhance cooperation amongst farming families.
Handed over early this month in Terra Constituency, the cocoa dryer was provided as part of CARE International’s Bougainville Cocoa Families Support (BECOMES) project.
The project is supported by the Australian and New Zealand governments in partnership with Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and the national Government.
The BECOMES project provides support to existing and emerging cooperatives and farming groups by improving collective governance, business administration and inclusive leadership. The aim is to improve the economic and social wellbeing of younger and older women and men in cocoa farming families.
Australian High Commission second secretary Nikki Wright said cocoa was an important industry across PNG including AROB, as it boosted household income for families.
“We are pleased to learn how the trainings prior to this event have increased families’ technical farming skills.”