Cocoa borer threatens multi-million kina industry

By Aloysius Laukai

Bougainville’s multi million kina cocoa industry is under threat with confirmation of the cocoa pod borer in parts of Central and North Bougainville.

The Province’s biggest farmers are not sure what their future will hold without cocoa.

According to reports from Primary Industry officials, the cocoa disease has penetrated Manetai area and some parts of Kunua Kereaka.

This week Buka businessman Henry Onsa called on the ABG to fast track mining as the cocoa pod borer would definitely cripple the cocoa industry on Bougainville.

Another farmer, Leo Paupau, said Bougainville has to live with the cocoa pod borer and learn to develop measures to continue to harvest cocoa despite this disease.