Increased the production and quality of cocoa through Gernas activity in East Kalimantan

Abstract

Danial D, Fiana Y, Handayani F, Hidayanto M. 2015. Increased the production and quality of cocoa through Gernas activity in East Kalimantan. Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 1: 1203-1210. Cocoa is one of the agricultural products which has a very important role and is quite reliable in East Kalimantan, especially in terms of labor supply, improving the welfare of farmers and increase state revenue/income. The Government seeks to improve the life standard of people in cocoa growing regions in Indonesia through a national program of production and quality improvement of cocoa. This research was carried out in Sambaliung, Berau regency, East Kalimantan, and Central Sebatik, Nunukan, North Borneo from January to December 2012. The project aims were to (i) carry out advocacy activities in the central area of cocoa development in Berau and Nunukan; (ii) apply appropriate technology that can be adopted by farmers users and empowered farmer groups. Implemented Gernas activities were the application of technology in the field and technological assistance in farmers land. The results of the implementation of the activities included (i) technology of fertilization dose of urea, SP 36, KCl in cocoa plants, wrapping of cocoa fruit, farmer's field sanitation and technical courses for cocoa farmers; (ii) treatment of side grafting in cocao plants and replanting. The provided recommendations regarding the cultivation of cocoa included: (i) the dose of fertilizer such as age 0-1 years (25-30 g/tree/yr); age 1-2 years (100-125 g/tree/yr); age 2-3 years (250-300 g/tree/yr); ≥ 4 (350-450 g/tree/yr, with no shade); (ii) the pruning should be done 2 times a year (productive and maintenance); (iii) land clearing should be practiced 3 times/year; (iv) wrapping of cocoa fruit and garden sanitation; (v) the conservation of soil on sloping land and (vi) controlling of pests and diseases based on IPM (integrated pest management).