Cocoa

AUSTRALIA COCOA TRAINING SUPPORTS FARMERS

Strongim Bisnis is an Australian Government-funded programme that supports growth in cocoa and many other sectors. An initiative through partnership with Cathliro Commodity Development Limited has supported training for 84 cocoa farmers. Australia cocoa training helps farmers improve the quality of their cocoa and increase their income.

The training is held for farmers who are already selling wet cocoa beans to businesses in the Solomon Islands. It’s being held at Belaha, Tenaru, Black Post, and Kakabona. The training began in early May and will run for one month.

The initiative is led by Robert Waisu, a local cocoa specialist and trainer, and it covers cocoa farm management and financial training around cocoa bean sales.

Robert Waisu’s training covers technical aspects such as grafting, pest control, and organic fertilization. He also shares information about the financial aspects of planning when and how to harvest cocoa to increase its quality and attract more suitable prices.

Women, men, and young farmers who have already been growing cocoa as a commercial crop for family households are among those attending.

Andrew Schloeffel, Australian High Commission and Head of Economic Development, stated that agriculture is an integral part of Solomon Islands’ economy. Australia’s support aims to strengthen farmers’ ability to earn an income and build resilience during challenging times, including against the financial impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

Robert Waisu also stated that he was delighted to provide training to cocoa farmers since cocoa is an essential industry for the Solomon Islands.

Some of the trainees taught by Waisu are also being evaluated for their potential to become cocoa farm management trainers themselves so that they can share this training in their communities.

After the training, farmers believe they will be able to manage their farm to produce quality cocoa and increase their income in the future.

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