𝟯𝟲 𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗮 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗸 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼

Farmers take center stage in a budding competition

Thirty-six cocoa farmers have taken center stage in a budding competition at the ongoing Greater Sepik Cocoa of Excellence and Trade Expo in Wewak.

The competition, one of the key activities on the final day of the Expo, brings together skilled farmers to demonstrate the important technique of cocoa budding, a critical method used to improve cocoa quality, increase yield, and strengthen disease resistance.

Farmers from across the Sepik region and other cocoa-producing provinces are competing head-to-head, carefully selecting budwood and grafting onto rootstocks under the watchful eyes of technical judges and international cocoa partners.

Organizers say the budding competition is not just about winning, but about promoting best agricultural practices that can directly impact the quality of cocoa produced in Papua New Guinea. With global buyers and chocolatiers present at the Expo, the demonstration also highlights the level of skill and knowledge local farmers possess.

The event has drawn strong interest from participants and spectators alike, as each farmer works with precision and speed, knowing that proper budding techniques play a major role in producing high, quality cocoa beans that meet international standards.

Officials say initiatives like this are essential in building farmer capacity and ensuring Papua New Guinea continues to compete in the global cocoa market.

Winners of the budding competition are expected to be announced later today, alongside other major highlights of the Expo as anticipation builds toward the crowning of the country’s top cocoa.