Markham farmers learn to restore cocoa trees

Cocoa farmers from the communities of Ragiampun and Ragizumang in Markham District, Morobe Province, are learning practical ways to bring old and less productive cocoa trees back into production.

The farmers took part in a hands-on training last Wednesday focused on chupon budding, a technique used to rehabilitate cocoa trees.

PNG Cocoa Board officer Maisen Tiamani led the training, with support from Zurag Cocoa Cooperative chairman Clement Ngiring.

The farmers were shown how to apply chupon budding to existing cocoa trees to encourage new growth and improve production.

The practical session gave farmers from both communities an opportunity to learn a technique they can use in their own cocoa gardens.

Farmers welcomed the training, saying the knowledge would help them better manage their cocoa trees and improve production.

The technique can also help improve cocoa quality when combined with proper garden management and rehabilitation practices.

For the farmers of Ragiampun and Ragizumang, the training provides practical knowledge they can take back to their gardens and put into use.