RANAU: The integration of cocoa and rubber crops not only optimises the use of land resources, but also increase the economic stability of farmers.
In addition, structured nursery management is seen as playing an important role in ensuring the supply of quality planting materials.
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The information was obtained during a high-impact field visit that was carried out by the Malaysian Cocoa Board - Ranau Unit in the Western Division, covering the Kundasang Zone and Karanaan Zone here recently.
The visit, led by Assistant Research Officer, Eddmas Nizam Sanin together with two TOTe Research Assistants from the Ranau Unit, was carried out as an effort to strengthen the development of the cocoa industry holistically.
The main focus of the visit was to evaluate the effectiveness of cocoa nurseries, cocoa and rubber integrated farms and farmers’ farms as models of best practice in the field.
The objective was to identify the level of technology adaptation, crop management efficiency and the potential for increased productivity through an integrated approach.
The monitoring results showed that the integration of cocoa and rubber crops not only optimizes the use of land resources, but is also able to increase the economic stability of farmers through product diversification. In addition, organized nursery management is seen as playing an important role in ensuring the supply of quality planting materials.
Meanwhile, Cocoa plantation monitoring activities were conducted by Research Assistant, Jelden Jose in Kg. Loguhang, Kota Marudu.
This program includes observations of plantations owned by registered and unregistered farmers to assess the current status of crop management and challenges faced at the field level.
The monitoring findings show that farmers need interventions in the form of agricultural input supplies such as fertilizers, fungicides, insecticides and agricultural lime (GML) to support optimal tree growth.
In addition, aspects of agronomic practices, especially pruning of cocoa trees, were identified as important requirements in ensuring that the plantations are in a managed and productive condition.
Following this monitoring, LKM Ranau will formulate strategic actions including the distribution of input assistance and focused technical advisory services.
This effort is in line with the ongoing commitment to empowering the cocoa farming community towards more sustainable and high-quality production.
