CEMA tells farmers not to harvest unripe cocoa fruits, it will affect quality of export products

By Alfred Pagepitu

The Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) has condemned reports of farmers harvesting unripe cocoa beans to local buyers.

This comes after farmers in certain parts of North Malaita were said to sell unripe cocoa beans to buyers.

Our stringer in the region, John Andrew Kiri reported that such action could be a result of the current high price of cocoa beans that tempted farmers to harvest unripe cocoa fruits.

In response, George Tuki from CEMA’s Operations and Outstation Division called on farmers to immediately stop such practice.

Mr Tuke said such practice is concerning as it will affect the quality of products for export to the world market.

With the high prices, many farmers have resorted to harvesting unripe pods, not properly fermenting the beans, and even soaking the pods in water or placing them in rice bags for a few days before selling them to local buyers.

“All these practices must stop. CEMA wants to ensure the production of good-quality cocoa so that it can access better markets.”

“This type of practice must not happen again, as it will strike Solomon Islands off the world market, leaving the country with no option to sell its beans.”

CEMA inspectors will carry out spot checks, especially at wharves and exporters’ outlets, to investigate and find out about such practices.

ENDS///