In collaboration with Yayasan Intsia, EcoNusa Foundation organized a Post-Harvest and Cocoa Rehabilitation Training on March 18–21, 2025, in Konderjan Village, Tor Atas District, Sarmi Regency. The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of local cocoa farmers in sustainable plantation management, including cultivation techniques, pruning, pest and disease control, and post-harvest handling such as fermentation and drying. A total of 46 participants actively engaged in field practices, including the construction of fermentation boxes and drying platforms—simple innovations that significantly improve the quality of harvests.
This training also served as a key moment for the community to revitalize the village’s identity as the “Chocolate King” cocoa hub, supported by local government and farmer groups. Despite temporary disruptions caused by flooding, community enthusiasm remained high. The program demonstrated that technical knowledge and participatory approaches can form the foundation for building a resilient village economy. As a follow-up, it is recommended to rehabilitate old plantations, provide improved seedlings, and ensure long-term mentoring to enhance the competitiveness of local cocoa sustainably.
Text: Rievki | Photos: Jeane
