NGIP Agmark Limited, Papua New Guinea’s largest cocoa exporter, is spearheading efforts to revive cocoa farming in Bougainville through two World Bank-funded initiatives that are bringing hope, training, and economic opportunity to hundreds of farmers.

Through its Bougainville operations, Agmark is leading two key projects: the Nova Cocoa Farmers Rehabilitation Project and the Halia Hunkatun Foundation Inc. Integrated Cocoa/Coconut Climate Change Diversification Project. Each program supports 500 farmers and aims to restore the region’s cocoa industry, which was devastated by the Cocoa Pod Borer outbreak over a decade ago.

“We are proud to be part of these initiatives that are not only revitalizing cocoa farming but restoring confidence among farmers who once gave up hope,” said the Manager of Agmark’s Bougainville operations Salome Rihatta. “The momentum is growing, especially with the Halia group — they’ve been incredibly cooperative and motivated.”

While both projects face challenges — particularly in procurement delays and farmer engagement in some areas — the Halia project is making steady progress. Two budwood gardens have been completed, materials for fermentaries and piggery sites have been distributed, and 120,000 cocoa seedlings have already gone out to 150 participating farmers. The Halia group has shown strong enthusiasm, with women, youth, and even persons with disabilities actively participating.

In contrast, the Nova project is experiencing slower progress due to low engagement from the farmers, a shortage of seedlings in nurseries, and resource constraints. However, the potential remains strong if participation improves.

Agmark’s commitment doesn’t stop at the project timeline. As the only PNG exporter with a dedicated commercial agronomy team, Agmark plans to offer ongoing training and support, ensuring long-term sustainability for farmers even after the project ends. The company also plans to reopen its Buka buying point to accommodate the anticipated increase in cocoa production in the coming years.

“Our strength lies in the fact that we’re not going anywhere,” the manager emphasized. “We’ll be here with the farmers every step of the way — from planting to export.” The project has already sparked renewed interest in cocoa. “Every day, people are coming to ask about the project. It’s waking Buka Island up,” the manager said, adding that many non-participant farmers have been attending training sessions and applying what they learn to their own farms.

Yet challenges remain, particularly in infrastructure. “There’s no road access to many remote cocoa farms. Farmers still carry cocoa bags on foot to get to the nearest transport routes,” the manager noted. He called on the government to prioritize infrastructure development and reduce overreliance on donor funding.

“PNG’s future lies not just in LNG, but in sustainable industries like agriculture, fisheries, and tourism,” he said. “If we get serious about these sectors, we won’t need to struggle for national revenue.” Looking forward, the Agmark-led projects aim not just to boost production but also to empower communities — economically and socially. “Some of these farmers will be sending their kids to better schools, driving better vehicles, maybe even traveling overseas one day. The only limit is their own commitment,” the manager said. “The results — good or bad — are in their hands.”