AROSI One cocoa farmers of West Makira, Makira-Ulawa Province have been warned not to sell unripe cocoa fruits.
Local Cocoa buyers who also dry wet cocoa beans in the Arosi One area made the reminder after cocoa buyers in Honiara had complained that some dried cocoa beans bought from Arosi One cocoa traders had been harvested before they were ripe.
The cocoa buyers and drivers said as a result the grade of dried unripe cocoa beans dropped – thus the price.
The buyers and driers as well as the exporters are affected financially because the dried cocoa beans fail to meet the required grades.
They encourage the cocoa farmers to pick only the ripe fruits to attract good money and also to ensure the cocoa industry can grow in Makira-Ulawa Province. Most cocoa driers in Makira use solar driers to dry their wet cocoa beans.
By GEORGE ATKIN
West Makira Journalist
