THIRTY-SIX cocoa farmers have taken center stage in the budding competition on the final day of the Greater Sepik Cocoa of Excellence and Trade Expo in Wewak.
The competition involves farmers demonstrating the skill of cocoa budding, to improve cocoa quality, increase yield, and strengthen disease resistance.
Farmers from the Sepik region and other cocoa-producing provinces had to carefully select budwood and grafting onto rootstocks under the watchful eyes of technical judges and international cocoa partners.
The budding competition was about not just winning but, also, promoting best agricultural practices that could directly impact the quality of cocoa produced in PNG.
With global buyers and chocolatiers present at the expo, the demonstration also highlights the level of skill and knowledge local farmers possess.
“The event has drawn strong interest from participants and spectators alike, as each farmer works with precision and speed, knowing that proper budding techniques play a major role in producing high, quality cocoa beans that meet international standards,” an expo spokesperson said.
“Initiatives like this are essential in building farmer capacity and ensuring PNG continues to compete in the global cocoa market.”
