DEXIA hosts successful cocoa training workshop

Cocoa farmers across the island say they are very pleased with the results of a training workshop on cocoa rehabilitation and production organized by DEIXIA. The sessions hosted from the 12th -15th June and conducted in four of the agricultural districts and cocoa farming areas were undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and J.H.B International Trade and Finance SA.

Through financial support provided by JHB International, the Agency was able to secure the services of Gabriel Lalettre, a cocoa technician from Grenada to review the current status of Dominica’s cocoa and engage farmers wishing to rehabilitate their fields and or establish new ones in a training exercise on cocoa production.

During the week-long visit, Lalettre shared with over 75 farmers the latest information, techniques and best practices in cocoa production. Some of the key areas covered included the rehabilitation and establishment of new fields, selecting planting material, improving field conditions, pruning and pest and disease control. The lecture sessions were followed by on-farm demonstrations of some of the techniques and practices highlighted during the discussions. Agricultural Extension Officers from the Division of Agriculture and a few of the seasoned farmers were also able to share their experiences in cocoa with the group as well.

The farmers reported that they had been inspired by the sessions and the opportunity to sell cocoa once again. A number of them said they were looking forward to returning to their farms to implement what they had learnt and begin the process of rehabilitating their cocoa fields immediately. James Julienne, a farmer in the coulibistrie Valley area described the training as “informative…an added boost…and incentive for me to go back to the farm”. He encouraged his fellow farmers to “embrace the opportunity and run with the initiative.”

It is hoped that farmers will complete their field rehabilitations in time for the next crop. And according to Lalettre that should not be too difficult. He said “although the vast majority of cocoa fields in Dominica exist in a semi-abandoned state, the fields are in a much better condition than I originally anticipated”. Most of the fields are covered under secondary forest which must be cleared. The farmers will also have to do a significant amount of pruning of the cocoa trees.

Notwithstanding these issues, the average cocoa field in Dominica is between 25-35 years old and thus in their peak production phase. Once the necessary cultural practices are implemented, farmers should be able to harvest a significant crop.

DEXIA is looking to undertake its first shipment of a small container-load of cocoa to Europe in December.