Group of farmers in Makira makes history in cocoa production
A SMALL group of cocoa farmers near Kirakira in Makira/Ulawa Province has set a record in Solomon Islands by producing 15 tonnes of cocoa in a matter of month.
Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MALS) Cash Crop Coordinator within the Extension Division Roy Timothy revealed this to Solomon Star yesterday describing it as a historical record for the country.
“This is a history in the making for the country for such a small area to set a record by producing 15 tons of wet cocoa beans in just one month.
“We never had such results from small holder farmers in the past but now it shows that our cocoa farmers are working very hard to produce more cocoa and come up with this historical result,” Mr Timothy said.
He explained that the fifteen tons of cocoa is just like filling up a container ready for shipment.
With the new record, it means cocoa production and the industry is growing in the country, added Mr Timothy said.
He explained the record does not include all Makira/Ulawa cocoa farmers but only the small group near Kirakira.
“This result is very impressive and once these farmers continue with their production the result for cocoa production this year would increase.”
Mr Timothy thanked farmers around Kirakira station for setting the record.
Its understood Guadalcanal Province is the highest cocoa producer in the country followed by Makira/Ulawa, Malaita and the remaining provinces.
By DENVER NEWTER
