THE MINISTRY of agriculture and livestock (MAL) has reminded local cocoa producers that value adding, downstream processing and quality controls are measures that must be considered in order to satisfy chocolate markets.
Ministry’s Permanent secretary Jimi Salea during last week’s inaugural Cocoa Quality and Chocolate week in Honiara, highlighted good agricultural practices are repercussions to high quality production of the crop.
“Cocoa is a tree that needs special care and attention. Farmers can tell us more on this. Quality begins with good agricultural practices. The more attention we give to our Cocoa trees, the better the outcome in terms of higher yields and better quality” he maintains.
Mr Saelea said the information gathered during the event has conveyed the standard through which producers can boost production in terms of value adding, down steam processing and quality control.
“This historic event has already told us so many things we need to do in our efforts to satisfy the specialty chocolate markets” he said.
“For you farmers, it tells you who have been doing the right thing. But let me thank those of you who participated towards the success of this historic event.
“Cocoa development is a priority strategic action within the DCC Government policy” he added
“The Government is committed to supporting the sector, to see increase in the production and export of high quality smoke free dried cocoa beans to niche or high end markets that offer higher and competitive prices and recognizes the value of SI cocoa beans.
“It is anticipated that farmers or producers who tried their best to produce the best quality beans must be able to receive the best price as well.”
“This very event marks another step up the ladder for our cocoa Industry. For this, on behalf of the Government of Solomon Islands, we are so thankful to our overseas friends who left their businesses to Solomon Islands to help us in our efforts to develop our cocoa industry, in order for us to promote Solomon Cocoa globally” he said.
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