A cocoa farmers group in the Panguna District of Central Bougainville has received a new tractor and solar combination dryer to access better markets and improve cocoa quality.
Formed in 2016, Nimani Farmers’ Cooperative Society is located in the village of Vito in Torau and consists of 22 female and 28 male farmers. The group was successful in gaining a grant in 2017 to expand cocoa production with funding from Australia and New Zealand in partnership with the Autonomous Bougainville Government and Government of Papua New Guinea.
Speaking at the community launch event on 12 February, Nikki Wright from the Australian High Commission said the grant to Nimani and 24 other cocoa farming groups across the region aims to strengthen the cocoa industry and improve livelihoods.
“Cocoa is an important industry in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Alongside other agriculture commodities, the sector helps to drive sustainable economic development and boost household incomes for smallholder farmers and their families,” Ms Wright said.
Jemma Lala represented the New Zealand High Commission and said "New Zealand is pleased to partner with Australia, Bougainville and PNG to provide a new solar combination dryer which improves the quality of cocoa beans during the drying process, and a new tractor to transport produce to nearby markets and selling points.”
Nikki Wright (third from right) from the Australian High Commission and New Zealand High Commission’s Jemma Lala (fourth from right) joined by members of the Nimani Farmers’ Cooperative Society and other dignitaries officially cut the ribbon during the handover ceremony.
Since 2016, Australia and New Zealand have invested more than eight million Kina in grants to 25 cocoa farming groups across the region. The program has already distributed over 250,000 cocoa seedlings, renovated 34 cocoa driers, and distributed 1,250 sets of tools and equipment.
In addition to the tractor handed over to Nimani, 18 other farmer groups have received new tractors, with seven new solar combination dryers built and another four to be constructed in the coming months.
Assistance has also included support to the Bougainville Chocolate Festival, strengthening existing and emerging cooperatives and farming groups, and implementing feasibility studies to stimulate innovation and investment in cocoa and other primary industries.
The new tractor handed over to the Nimani Farmers’ Cooperative Society.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100