Aceh province in topography has great
potential in the development of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L). In addition to
having an area of 258
067 ha untapped, cocoa are familiar with the community. "Cocoa is one of
the leading commodity export quality in the province
of Aceh, but unfortunately this potential has not been handled properly.
Marketing chain from farmer to consumer is still long, to the detriment of
farmers, "said Eka Fitria one researcher BPTP Aceh on a monthly seminar
entitled:" Potential Development and Marketing of Cocoa in Nanggroe Aceh
Darussalam "January 28, 2010.
According to Eka, cocoa cropping relatively
appropriate for smallholders, because these plants can flower and fruit
throughout the year, so it can be daily or weekly source of income for farmers.
Cocoa can start producing at the age of 1.5 years (18 months) and can produce
cocoa beans that can be further processed into semi-finished products (cocoa
powder) and finished material.
Mentioned, cocoa producing regions in Aceh
are in Pidie district, Pidie Jaya, Bireuen, North Aceh, East Aceh and Aceh
Tenggara. Land which has existed cocoa planting area of 74 547 ha with a
production of 27 295 tonnes which is dominated by smallholders. Thus still has
the potential development of an area of 119
671 ha of cocoa, especially in centers of cocoa plantations. "The data area and cocoa production over the past
five years show an increase, but in terms of productivity is still low, only
788 kg / ha / year," added Eka graduate of the Faculty of Agriculture
Unsyiah. Eka very optimistic, if farmers want to develop and implement proper
cultivation technology, the potential for Aceh cocoa production could reach 1.5
to 2 tons / ha. The low productivity of cocoa in Aceh is likely due to the
amount of cocoa plants are old, lack of maintenance and pest / disease.
From his observation results in several
districts in Aceh, showed that the quality of cocoa products Aceh still low on
the world market are reflected in the content of the seeds do not ferment and
non-cocoa content (dirt). Besides, the low quality of cocoa in Aceh because the
drying process is done traditionally by means of drying in the hot sun, while
cocoa beans are good to go through fermentation before drying (Source of
Information: BPTP ACEH)
Bireuen is one of the districts that have the
potential of cocoa in Aceh are currently implementing several programs that
increase cocoa production through the implementation of community-based
programs such Intercroping Plant Cocoa, Cocoa Plant Maintenance and
Rehabilitation of cocoa plants implementing this activity is the Department of
Forestry and Plantation District Bireuen. The ultimate goal of this activity is
to increase cocoa production and increase farmers' income farm families DAK
cocoa planters. Implementation of these activities are planned to be
implemented in several districts of which District of July, District Peusangan
Siblah Krueng, Peudada and some other districts that have the potential of
cocoa in Bireuen district. Implementation of information according to one of
the staff at the Department of Forestry and Plantation this activity will start
in June 2015
