By Julie Badui-Owa – EMTV News, Lae
The cooperative group for cash crops in Morobe has increased to over 200 this year.
There are 19 cocoa cooperatives in the Province and there are three major groups in Nawaeb District.
Sigo Cocoa Cooperative in Situm in Nawaeb, is a new project that launched its Nursery and rehabilitation project. It was funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at a cost of K76 thousand.
With its establishment, the number of cocoa cooperatives has increased from 18 to 20. There are over 120 thousand cocoa growers and more than 150 hectares of land is being used to plant cocoa in Morobe.
Momase’s Regional Inspector for Cocoa, Anton Ningi, says inspections show that corporative become ineffective due to mismanagement.
Morobe’s Provincial Department of Agriculture and Livestock will soon appoint a board to manage the Morobe Primary Producer’s Association in June. This board will help monitor the new and existing cooperative in the province.
Sigo Cooperative was fortunate to be recognised as a registered cooperative in Morobe.
