BY MAVIS NSIHIMURA PODOKOLO
TWENTY two percent of Solomon Islands rural households are reportedly involved in cocoa production.
This was revealed yesterday by Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela, who agrees that this is a significant portion of the country’s population.
Hou said there has been a steady increase in cocoa exports over the past few years which indicates the SI cocoa industry has a bright future.
“With this we can improve both the number of cocoa farmers and the level of production to new level of production in order to reap the full benefits of this potential to help raise income level and participation of many more rural dwellers through the country.
“Apart from that this is an industry which increasingly involving women and girls at the household level.
“So the impact from a mere rise in cocoa is far reaching but I believe this the most efficient transmission mechanism of wealth and a more sustainable method of economic development.”
