FAO Upscales Processing Capacity and Quality of 500 Cocoa Fermentaries in the Sepik, Papua New Guinea

Wewak, Papua New Guinea – This week, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), under the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, commenced the distribution of 500 stainless steel Klin Pipe cocoa dryers and accessories to registered cocoa farmer groups in the Sepik region of Papua New Guinea. This initiative aims to bolster the cocoa value chain in the region by improving processing infrastructure and quality standards.

Each farmer group will receive a comprehensive drying kit, including a Klin Pipe, Drying Bed, and Flue Pipe Chimney, all constructed with durable stainless steel. These kits will replace the existing, rust-prone custard iron pipes commonly used in fermentaries across the region.

In terms of distribution, 351 kits will be allocated to existing fermentary owners currently participating in the FAO-led EU-STREIT PNG Programme. Additionally, 149 kits will be entrusted to the PNG Cocoa Board for distribution to other registered fermentary owners or cocoa groups.

The new stainless-steel dryers promise several benefits. Firstly, they will ensure hygienic drying conditions, leading to enhanced quality of the final cocoa beans. Secondly, the new dryers will increase the processing capacity of existing fermentaries and potentially facilitate the establishment of new ones, allowing for a higher volume of cocoa beans to be processed. The consistent drying processes will ensure uniform quality across all batches. Furthermore, the durable stainless steel build guarantees long-term reliability, enabling farmers to consistently produce high-quality beans regardless of weather conditions or firewood shortages. These dryers can be used with both solar and fire heat sources, offering flexibility and uninterrupted drying even during unfavourable weather.

This initiative also had positive local impact, as two local welding companies were engaged to manufacture the Klin Pipe Dryers. This has created local employment opportunities and fostered capacity building in the region.

This collaborative initiative between the FAO and the PNG Cocoa Board is expected to significantly enhance the quality and capacity of cocoa processing in the Sepik region, contributing to the overall growth and sustainability of the cocoa value chain in Papua New Guinea.

About the EU-STREIT PNG Programme

The EU-STREIT PNG, being implemented as a United Nations Joint Programme (FAO as a leading agency and ILO, ITU, UNCDF and UNDP as implementing partners), is the European Union's largest grant-funded initiative in the Pacific. It focuses on boosting sustainable and inclusive economic development in rural areas. This is achieved by enhancing economic returns and opportunities within cocoa, vanilla, and fisheries value chains. Additionally, the Programme strengthens and improves the efficiency of value chain enablers, including access to ICT and digital financial services. It also supports the development of sustainable, climate-resilient transport infrastructures and renewable energy solutions. The Programme benefits two provinces: East Sepik and West Sepik.

Cocoa