In April the first big cocoa training took place in our Fairventures field office in Tumbang Talaken, Gunung Mas in Indonesia. In order to expand our cocoa project, farmers are trained to become trainers who will pass on their knowledge about cocoa cultivation to other farmers as multipliers in the future.
Last year, more than 1,400 seedlings were distributed to eleven local farmers. Four different cocoa varieties were selected, all of which have good characteristics for sustainable cultivation in the project area.
In the course of this year 4,500 seedlings will be planted. This expansion of our cocoa programme results in a great need for new skills and knowledge. During the training, some practical know-how about the cultivation of cocoa was acquired. The trainer Pak Lengkang from Sulawesi, who brings in more than 20 years of cocoa experience, was able to impart a lot of knowledge to our multipliers. The aim was to discuss numerous topics related to cocoa cultivation and to practice directly in the tree nursery and in the field. The focus was on running nurseries and growing seedlings, refining cocoa through fermentation, soil care and fertilisation. Possible dangers for cocoa plants caused by pests and diseases were also discussed.