East Sepik Province has recorded an extraordinary 37% increase in cocoa production during the first half of 2025, with harvests reaching 6,704 tons compared to 4,905 tons during the same period last year. This dramatic upswing follows last year's record-breaking performance where 10,872 tons generated K317 million for local farmers - surpassing projections by K101 million.
The production surge has created both opportunities and challenges, with Governor Allan Bird revealing the province temporarily exhausted both cash reserves and shipping containers earlier this year due to the unexpected volume. Monthly averages have climbed from 906 tons to 1,117 tons, representing a 23% month-over-month productivity increase.
He credited the success to smallholder farmers and announced imminent plans to launch a large-scale organic fertilizer program aimed at doubling current production within two years.
The provincial government has set an ambitious target of 50,000 tons annual production, a goal Bird considers achievable given existing planted areas and available labor. The fertilizer initiative will commence as soon as supplier Agmark secures adequate volumes in the province.
Last year's cocoa revenue injected vital cash into village economies across East Sepik, with the K101 million surplus beyond projections demonstrating the sector's growing economic impact. The Governor's announcement comes as his administration brokers new international export deals, including recent negotiations with China's Shandong Province.
This is the kind of positive story that deserves celebration as we approach PNG's 50th independence anniversary.