RM21,000 boost for Ranau cocoa farmers

RANAU: Cocoa farmers in Mukim Suminimpod Ranau received an allocation of RM21,000 as announced by Ranau MP Jonathan Yasin recently to build a wet cocoa seed drying cottage, dry cocoa seed storage store, repair and construction of a toilet in the village’s assembly hall.

He announced the allocation at the opening of a Program Gerak Gempur Pasca Tuai Koko dan Pembelian Biji Koko Basah dan Koko Kering, jointly organised by the local cocoa farmers, Ranau Cocoa Planters Association and District Malaysian Cocoa Board (LKM).

According to him, the allocation is a reward for the efforts shown by cocoa growers in the area who have been successful in cultivating cocoa the last few years.

“The Suminimpod cocoa growers managed to sell dried cocoa weighing 1,230kg, and a total of 407.03kg of fresh cocoa beans and 500 pods or fruits.

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“The result is so encouraging that one of the entrepreneurs, Yalim Kosin, was crowned as the largest seller with the sale of dried cocoa beans exceeding RM1,000 in value.

“Therefore, I recommend farmers to always cooperate, not ignore the needs of others. Always look for alternatives and other methods so that the cocoa beans can be expanded with various products that can be commercialised,” he said.

Jonathan, who is also Chairman of LKM, said the government and LKM will continue to assist and support the cocoa industry so that it would continue to grow, providing a bright future for cocoa entrepreneurs.

“As evidence of the government’s concern over the cocoa industry, it has now set up funds for the construction of a RM12 million cluster cocoa centre in the village of Napong Dua which will begin construction soon.”

Earlier, the Deputy Director-General of LKM, Dr Hj Ramli Hj Kasin, said the result of Jonathan’s efforts and solidarity towards the development of the cocoa industry, especially in Ranau, enabled the construction of a clusters centre which was previously delayed.

“Hence, we hope cocoa growers in this area will grow in the spirit of cooperation as prescribed today can be continued to further enrich the hard work in promoting cocoa in this region.”

Dr Ramli also praised the dried cocoa beans produced by Mukim Suminimpod farmers that he labelled as the best and can compete with the dried cocoa beans produced by another well-known producer for their good quality.

Meanwhile, the Kg Suminimpod Coca Group Chief, Terisah Koding, thanked the government for upgrading some of the roads for the convenience of 80 cocoa growers from 10 villages in the mukim.

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Also present were representatives of the Assemblyman Datuk Abidin Madingkir, Sibin Andau, Ranau LKM Unit Head, Affendy Ting, Head of Tawau LKM Unit, Edwin Mujin and all LKM Ranau staff.

At the event, talks on the quality of cocoa beans and the proper way of care, the right mix of cocoa and fermentation were delivered by two invited speakers from the Tawau Unit LKM.

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