LocationsIn March 2025, UNDP trained 30 farmers from Central Pomio LLG to enhance the productivity and sustainability of their cocoa production
The taining aimed to improve cocoa quality and yield by equipping farmers with essential skills in budding and nursery management.
Lorraine Basse | UNDP Papua New Guinea
With the support of Global Environment Facility-funded "Establishing Systems for Sustainable Integrated Land-Use Planning Across New Britain Island" project, UNDP is supporting cocoa farmers in Central Pomio LLG, East New Britain Province in embracing more productive and sustainable cocoa production practices.
From 21 February to 7 March, 30 farmers from six target communities — Galuwe, Marmar, Pomio, Sali, Olaipun 1, and Olaipun 2 — underwent intensive training in cocoa budding techniques. Led by six certified cocoa budders and supervised by the Cocoa Board of PNG, the training aimed to improve cocoa quality and yield by equipping farmers with essential skills in budding and nursery management. Each community selected five participants—three males and two females—who, upon meeting performance standards, will become certified budders, strengthening local expertise and ensuring sustainability.
The Cocoa Board of PNG provided 18 varieties of cocoa clone materials to establish budwood gardens across these six sites. These gardens are expected to boost productivity, reduce pest infestations, and enhance yields in the long run. Donald Songavare, a research officer with Cocoa Board’s Breeding Section with his team, played a crucial role in assessing and tagging different cocoa clone varieties for certification in the existing four budwood gardens of farmers in the community.
After the training, each of the targeted communities will establish their own budwood gardens.
Lorraine Basse | UNDP Papua New Guinea
“Quality cocoa starts with high-standard planting materials, and the Cocoa Board has put in place guidelines to ensure farmers receive the best materials,” Songavare said.
He emphasized that only researched and approved cocoa clones should be planted, with Tavilo currently serving as the main seed garden.
Meanwhile, Agmark is preparing to ship nursery materials to Central Pomio, with the Cocoa Board's technical guidance ensuring the establishment of 14 nurseries—seven in Central Pomio and seven in Inland Baining—starting in April 2025.
Local ward members and experienced cocoa budders from Cocoa Board have also expressed their enthusiasm for the initiative.
“For years, our farmers have struggled with aging cocoa trees and low yields. This training is giving them the knowledge and skills to revitalize their farms and secure better incomes for their families,” said Marmar Ward Member in Central Pomio, Hon William Longkale.
Hon Peter Mire, another Ward Member from Galue, emphasized the long-term benefits of adopting best practices in cocoa management. “This is more than just a training session; it’s a step towards ensuring that our cocoa industry remains strong for future generations. The farmers now understand the significance of nursery management and proper budding techniques.”
In recent years, cocoa farmers in Central Pomio LLG have struggled with aging cocoa trees and low yields.
Lorraine Basse | UNDP Papua New Guinea
Peter Kuplie, a cocoa budder, added, “Budding is an effective way to introduce high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties. The farmers here have shown great interest, and we are confident that they will apply these techniques to rejuvenate their cocoa farms.”
The training included aligning the budwood gardens associated with cocoa nursery sites for each community, supplied with 180 budded materials which will become the source of clone materials for each community with support from Central LLG into the future.
With cocoa playing a vital role in the local economy, initiatives like these are crucial for empowering farmers and fostering resilience in the face of climate and market challenges. As the project progresses, stakeholders, including the District Rural Development Office (DRDO) Pomio District, and the East New Britain Provincial Administration’s Division of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL), are committed to ongoing collaboration to revitalize cocoa farming in Central Pomio LLG. The community remains hopeful that this budding initiative will mark the beginning of a brighter future for the cocoa industry.
