A young cocoa plantation

Abstract

A young cocoa plantation established under Leucaena shade at an Administration Agricultural Extension Centre at Kokoda, in the Northern District of Papua. Cocoa was introduced into New Guinea from Ceylon, via Samoa, by the Germans in 1907, and in recent years the Administration has energetically fostered the expansion of the industry. It is grown in the Territory by both European and native planters, the main centres of production being New Britain, New Ireland, Morobe, Bougainville, Madang, and Northern District. About one-quarter of the cocoa exported is produced by native growers in the above-mentioned districts, and this production is processed largely by fermentaries owned by Native Local Government Councils. On some plantations cacao trees are inter-planted with coconut palms - the two crops being compatible - thus providing some diversity of production. The planting of cacao trees in the Territory is rigidly controlled and all plantings are registered so that in the event of disease outbreak rapid control measures may be taken. Cocoa exports from the Territory in 19559-60 totalled 5,870 tons valued at about £1,670,000. Show more