NGIP Agmark Limited is leading efforts to revive cocoa farming in Bougainville through two World Bank-funded projects that are bringing renewed hope, training, and economic opportunities to hundreds of farmers.
Agmark is currently managing two major initiatives through its Bougainville branch: the Nova cocoa farmers rehabilitation project and the Halia Hunkatun Foundation Inc integrated cocoa/coconut climate change diversification project.
Each programme supports 500 farmers and aims to restore the region’s cocoa industry, which was severely impacted by the vocoa pod borer (CBP) outbreak a decade ago.
Manager of Agmark’s Bougainville operations, Salome Rihatta, said the programme was to bring hope back to farmers.
“We’re proud to be part of these initiatives that are not only revitalising cocoa farming, but restoring confidence among cocoa farmers who once gave up hope,” she said.
Two budwood gardens were completed, materials for fermentaries and piggeries distributed, and 120,000 cocoa seedlings supplied to 150 farmers.
The Halia group has notably shown high enthusiasm, with active participation from women, youth, and people with disabilities.
“The momentum is growing, especially with the Halia group,” Rihatta said.
“They’ve been incredibly cooperative and motivated.”
The Nova project is, however, moving slowly due to low farmer engagement, seedling shortages in nurseries, and resource constraints.
“Our strength lies in the fact that we’re not going anywhere,” Rihatta said.
“We’ll be here with the farmers every step of the way, from planting to export.”
Rihatta added that the projects have seen a growing interest in farmers, with non-participating farmers joining training sessions and applying new techniques.
“Every day, people come asking about the project. It’s waking up Buka Island,” she added.
