A PARTNERSHIP between licensed cocoa exporter Outspan PNG Limited and the Australian government is helping cocoa farmers in East Sepik province produce quality cocoa beans.
Smallholder cocoa farmers in East Sepik are now benefiting from expanded access to solar drying technology which cuts down on extra labour.
A total of 125 solar dryers were constructed across the province in two phases, supporting farmers to produce a supply of more than 738 metric tons of premium, solar-dried cocoa, valued at approximately PGK 17 million.
Naureen Yaninen, a cocoa farmer and fermentary owner, said the change in technology has also meant significant savings for her family.
“Using fire is hard work. After we buy wet cocoa beans, we have to pay men to collect firewood and burn it to dry the cocoa. We also pay them to help us sell dried cocoa beans. We cannot save money,” said Naureen.
Outspan Wewak Depot Manager Raju Ramalingam said the exporter is looking at other ways to improve the production of cocoa.
“Outspan is not only focused on high-quality smoke-free cocoa beans, but we are also looking at ways to sustain this program by providing other training such as financial literacy to farmers,” said Mr. Ramalingam.
Cocoa production in Papua New Guinea declined during the cocoa pod borer infestation in 2008 but has improved over the last 24 years with proper training for cocoa farmers.
The introduction of solar dryers has made cocoa processing easier and less time-consuming for farming families.
Naureen said solar dryers have allowed women to take greater control of the cocoa drying process while reducing the costs involved.
“With the solar dryer, we can dry the cocoa ourselves. We buy cocoa, ferment it, dry it and sell it. Men do not need to help us. Now we can save money. The job is easier and we are happy to do it,” she said.
Previously local farmers used fire to generate heat to dry the cocoa beans and during the rainy season, the cocoa drying process was affected.
Outspan has also been providing training in cocoa production, harvesting and drying techniques, as well as support for Fairtrade and Organic certification, helping farmers access more markets and premium prices.
By harnessing solar energy, smallholder cocoa farmers are improving the quality of their cocoa while reducing environmental impact.
Through Australia’s support, the adoption of solar cocoa dryers comes at a pivotal time for PNG’s cocoa industry.
By improving post-harvest processing and bean quality, solar dryers can help restore PNG’s reputation for fine-quality cocoa, secure higher international prices, and deliver better returns for growers, processors and exporters, ultimately improving livelihoods for cocoa farming families across East Sepik.
