Fiji’s export of cocoa beans has increased drastically, running into thousand of dollars for the economy over the two years.

Agriculture Minister Dr. Mahendra Reddy says Fiji’s export of cocoa beans increased from $26,000 in 2016 to $85,000 in 2017.

These exports were to Australia, France, New Zealand and United States.

The Minister adds in Fiji, there are currently seven Cocoa buyers operating nationwide.

The buyers connect Fiji to the Global market and at the same time promote the Fijian Made Brand in the Cocoa Industry.

He says Fiji can continue to improve further on this positive trend with the consistent support from the government and private stakeholders.

The Minister noting that the global demand has increased in the past decades due to the continuous awareness about associated health benefit of cocoa.

The Ministry has approved a total budget of $2.76m since 2014 for Cocoa revitalization program.

Dr. Reddy says of this approximately 60% has been utilized.

Activities for these budget includes, farm access road maintenance, purchase of farm tools and machines, agro inputs, fermentation and drying sheds, staff and farmers training, market development and operating costs.