Smallholder cocoa farmers in East Sepik are benefitting from expanded access to solar drying technology through support from the Australian Government and, Outspan PNG Ltd, a large exporter of Papua New Guinean Coffee.
A total of 125 solar dryers was constructed across the province in two phases, supporting farmers to produce a supply of more than 738 metric tonnes of premium, solar-dried cocoa, valued at approximately PGK 17 million.
The introduction of solar dryers has made cocoa processing easier and less time-consuming for farming families.
For cocoa farmer and fermentary owner Naureen Yaninen, the change in technology has also meant significant savings for her family.
“Using fire is hard work. After we buy wet cocoa beans, we have to pay men to collect firewood and burn it to dry the cocoa. We also pay them to help us sell dried cocoa beans. We cannot save money,” she said.
Naureen said solar dryers have allowed women to take greater control of the cocoa drying process while reducing the costs involved.
“With the solar dryer, we can dry the cocoa ourselves. We buy cocoa, ferment it, dry it and sell it. Men do not need to help us. Now we can save money. The job is easier and we are happy to do it,” she said.
Outspan is also providing training in cocoa production, harvesting and drying techniques, as well as support for Fairtrade and Organic certification, helping farmers access more markets and premium prices.
Outspan Wewak Depot Manager, Mr Raju Ramalingam said, “We (Outspan) are not only focused on high-quality smoke-free cocoa beans, but we are also looking at ways to sustain this program by providing other trainings such as financial literacy to farmers.”
By harnessing solar energy, smallholder cocoa farmers are improving the quality of their cocoa while reducing environmental impact.
Through Australia's support, the adoption of solar cocoa dryers comes at a pivotal time for PNG's cocoa industry.
By improving post-harvest processing and bean quality, solar dryers can help restore PNG's reputation for fine-quality cocoa, secure higher international prices, and deliver better returns for growers, processors and exporters, ultimately improving livelihoods for cocoa farming families across East Sepik.
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For cocoa farmer and fermentary owner Naureen Yaninen, the change in technology has also meant significant savings for her family.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100