W Sumatra Cocoa Production Reaches 66,917 Tons Per Year

Padang, (Antaranews Sumbar) - Cocoa production in West Sumatra Province reaches 66,917 tons per year with 145,735 hectares planted area, Head of Plantation Division of Provincial Food Crops, Horticulture and Plantation, Akhirudin stated. "Cocoa actually bears fruit throughout the year and it can be harvested every week," he said in Padang on Wednesday. He mentioned that the biggest cocoa producing area in West Sumatra is Pasaman District with 17,558 tons with planting area of 26,273 hectares, followed by Padang Pariaman 12,754 tons with 30,289 hectares planting area. Furthermore, West Pasaman District produces 9,396 tons with planting area of 20,404 hectares, Agam 5.056 tons with planting area of 9,751, Limapuluh Kota 4,394 tons with 10,305 hectares planting area. Then Tanah Datar 4,188 with 8,496 hectares planting area, Solok District 2,609 tons with planting area of 5,266 hectares, and Sijunjung 2,363 tons with 5,843 hectares planting area. According to him, cocoa can grow anywhere, especially in areas that have a height of zero to 800 meters from sea level. Besides, the prospect of cocoa market is wide as the world's demand for cocoa continues to increase by three percent annually. The need for fermented cocoa beans in Indonesia is also high, he said, it is apparent that Indonesia is still importing 30,000 tons of cocoa beans per year. "In addition, cocoa gardening does not require a large area, it can be planted in the yard around the house too," he said. (cha)