Gov’t has not done enough for cacao farmers, says Tumukon

October 6, 2025 9:53 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now Twitter Facebook

By Anita Roberts.

The government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, and Biosecurity (MALFB), has not done enough to support cacao farmers over the past years, said Director General (DG) Timothy Tumukon.

The DG said this when he opened the Cacao Forum in Luganville, Santo, yesterday.

There was no legislation connecting the government with farmers until 2020, and the 2020-2025 cacao strategy is now coming to an end, he said.

“I know you (farmers) have faced many challenges, especially with pricing over the past four or five years, with just VT125 per kilo, but now it’s risen to VT500 per kilo. Some who lost interest in the product are now returning to clean their plantations. Its not good in a way, but to those who have stood through good and bad times, thank you,” he said.

DG Tumukon said the forum is an opportunity for the government to listen to farmers’ concerns and help shape the direction for the next five years.

He mentioned the ministry’s ‘Island Focus’ starting next year where the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) will concentrate its efforts and commitment on developing commodities like cacao in selected islands, rather than covering all islands as it did in the past.

“For the past years, the government has allocated funds to develop cacao across Vanuatu, even in areas where the product does not grow well. However, many farmers have failed to show they are se serious,” he said.

“The government wants to recognise committed farmers, and some of you are here today (yesterday). Moving forward, the focus will be on islands were cacao farmers are serious about the industry. To those who are not serious, the government must refocus its resources and spent where it will make the most impact.”

He said he wants farmers to discuss what they want to see for the cacao industry over the next five years, identify what currently is not working, and suggest improvements to be included in the next strategy.

After cacao, the next forums will focus on root crops and forestry in Port Vila. The previous focuses were on kava, cattle and small livestock.