MADANG – Farmers living along the Ramu NiCo project corridor have welcomed the company’s cocoa rehabilitation program after receiving improved hybrid cocoa seedlings from the newly established Ramu NiCo Cocoa Seed Nursery Bank, describing the initiative as a major step toward restoring cocoa production and creating sustainable income for future generations.
The first batch of farmers received the improved hybrid cocoa seedlings following the official launch of the Cocoa Seed Nursery Bank in February this year. Recipients said the program had renewed their confidence in cocoa farming after years of declining production caused by crop diseases.
Among the beneficiaries was Usino farmer Foi Pukap from Usino LLG in ward 13, who received 100 polybag-grown cocoa seedlings. He said the support had inspired many other farmers in his community to return to cocoa farming.
“Those who missed out on the first distribution are now eager to receive seedlings during the next supply,” Mr Pukap said.
“Cocoa has always been one of the main sources of income for families in Madang. Unfortunately, the Cocoa Pod Borer outbreak in 2017 devastated many cocoa farms across the province, including mine.”
Mr. Pukap said the pest infestation forced him to destroy his entire cocoa plantation, causing him to lose both his investment and interest in cocoa farming.
“My previous farm was badly affected by the disease, and I had to remove all my cocoa trees. Now, with these new hybrid seedlings, I am preparing to clear my old cocoa blocks and start farming again. My aim is to grow 1000 seedlings.
Ramu NiCo Community Affairs Officer Richard Kupi said the cocoa seed bank was established through an understanding between Ramu NiCo and the Projects 4 Land Owner Association to help rebuild cocoa production among communities living along the company’s project footprint.
Mr. Kupi said the growing demand from farmers had prompted the company to establish a separate budding garden adjacent to the Cocoa Seed Nursery Bank.
“The interest shown by farmers has encouraged Ramu NiCo under its MoU with PNG Cocoa Board to now establish a dedicated budding garden that will produce cocoa planting materials according to farmers’ specific requirements,” he said.
“The budding garden is currently awaiting assessment by the PNG Cocoa Board. Once approved, the nursery will be able to supply both budded cocoa trees and hybrid cocoa seedlings to farmers.”
Mr Kupi said the initiative forms part of Ramu NiCo’s broader community development and corporate social responsibility program, aimed at promoting agriculture, improving household incomes, and creating sustainable economic opportunities beyond the life of the mine.
Since the establishment of the nursery, approximately 30,000 cocoa seedlings have been distributed to farmers along the project corridor, benefiting communities in Usino, Banu, Igruwe and Naru villages in Usino-Bundi District, as well as Bauri and several villages in Rai Coast District.
The cocoa rehabilitation program is being implemented through a partnership involving Ramu NiCo, the PNG Cocoa Board, and the company’s Landowner Associations, with the shared goal of strengthening rural livelihoods and supporting long-term agricultural development in Madang Province.
