East Sepik cocoa farmers receive organic fertilizers to boost production

Cocoa Farmers in East Sepik posing with smiles after attending the Ferti-Bio Training in Hawain conducted by Cocoa Board and received a bag of fertilizer each from the East Sepik Governor's Office *(Image: NBC News)*

Cocoa farmers across East Sepik Province are taking another step towards increasing cocoa production following the rollout of an organic fertilizer distribution program supported by the East Sepik Governor's Office and the Cocoa Board of Papua New Guinea.

The distribution of Ferti-Bio, an organic fertilizer approved by the PNG Cocoa Board to improve soil nutrients and enhance cocoa yields, commenced at Hawain on 22 July 2026.

A total of 320 five-kilogram bags of Ferti-Bio were distributed during the first phase of the program to cocoa farmers representing all six districts of East Sepik Province.

Before the distribution, officers from the Cocoa Board of PNG conducted a practical training session to educate farmers on the correct application of the fertilizer to maximize its effectiveness and improve cocoa productivity.

East and West Sepik Regional Cocoa Board Manager Daryll Worimo, who officiated at the training and distribution, said the initiative comes at a critical time as global demand for Papua New Guinea cocoa continues to grow.

Officer in Charge of the East Sepik Governor's Office Smart Cocoa Program, Ephraim Wango (left), handing over a 5kg Ferti Bio Cocoa Fertilizer to Hawain Central Cocoa Corporative Society Chairman, Benjamin Misai, signifying the Opening of the Official Distribution of the Fertilizer across the Province *(Image: NBC News)*

Worimo said increasing cocoa production is essential for farmers to take advantage of expanding international markets.

"With international demand for PNG cocoa increasing, it is vital for our farmers to increase production to meet that demand. The support from East Sepik Governor Allan Bird through the provision of Ferti-Bio is timely and will help farmers improve their cocoa yields," Worimo said.

He encouraged all cocoa farmers to participate in the training sessions before applying the fertilizer to ensure it is used correctly and delivers the intended results.

Meanwhile, Officer-in-Charge of the Smart Cocoa Program under the East Sepik Governor's Office, Ephraim Wango, assured farmers that the distribution would be carried out fairly across the province.

"No farmer will be left behind. From Hawain, the distribution team will move to Angoram, Maprik and other central locations to ensure the fertilizer is distributed evenly to all cocoa farmers," Mr. Wango said.

The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts by the East Sepik Governor’s office and the Cocoa Board of Papua New Guinea to strengthen cocoa production, improve farmers' incomes, and position East Sepik as one of the country's leading cocoa-producing provinces.