A cocoa collection centre will soon be up and running in Dreketi on Fiji’s northern island of Vanua Levu to revive the industry in the Macuata Province.
Government has set aside $97, 000 to upgrade the current facility at Matasawalevu to cater for small cocoa growers in the North.
Senior Agriculture Officer (Macuata), Kanito Matagasau says this includes the repair of dryers to help in the proper fermentation process as well as the upgrading of the 3.5 kilometre road leading to the facility to allow for better excess.
There are plans to plant more improved variety cocoa trees in the farm.
Once fully upgraded, the farm will be used as the main collection centre where smaller growers can bring their cocoa beans for processing.
The Matasawalevu Cocoa project is one of the largest cocoa farms in the country and is owned by Matasawalevu Cocoa Co-operative group.
