RANAU: Five cocoa farms in Ranau were visited by the Malaysian Cocoa Board (LKM) and Nestlé under the Nestlé Cocoa Plan (NCP), as both parties step up efforts to strengthen local cocoa cultivation and improve farmers’ productivity.
The field visit, conducted under LKM’s Technology Transfer and Extension Division (TOTe), Ranau Unit, focused on assessing farm management practices, identifying production potential and understanding the needs of participating farmers.
The initiative formed part of the strategic collaboration between LKM and Nestlé to promote a more sustainable cocoa industry through closer cooperation between government agencies, industry players and farmers.
It was also a continuation of a briefing held in July 2026 at the open hall of the Cocoa Cluster Complex in Ranau, where the programme was introduced to cocoa farmers in the area.
During the second day of the field visit, the team observed the condition of the cocoa crops and how their farms were being managed.
The farms belonged to Doniol Gunggutau in Kampung Togop Darat, Kombuong Luntau in Kampung Togop Laut, Daini Ambag in Kampung Nabawan, and Maikol Salunai and Raimon Patuk in Kampung Tibabar.
The visit involved a Nestlé representative, accompanied by Eddmas Nizam Sanin, Western Zone chief supervisor, and area supervisors Johanatan Majinus, Mohd Firdaus Afendey and Muhammad Hafizie Kerisim.
Apart from inspecting the crops and farm management practices, the visits provided an opportunity for farmers to share their experiences, exchange views and highlight challenges encountered in their daily farming activities.
Direct engagement at the farm level also allowed the representatives to better understand the conditions and requirements of individual farmers, particularly in efforts to improve cocoa quality and production.
Under the collaboration, participating farmers have the opportunity to benefit from agricultural input support, improved technical knowledge and skills, as well as assistance for farm development, subject to the programme’s terms and conditions.
These forms of support are intended to strengthen farmers’ capabilities, improve the viability of their farming activities and encourage better management practices.
The collaboration is expected to contribute towards expanding cocoa cultivation in Ranau while supporting the socioeconomic well-being of farming communities.
LKM, through its TOTe Ranau unit, said it remained committed to providing guidance and strengthening cooperation with industry partners and farmers to ensure cocoa continued to be developed as a valuable agricultural commodity.
The programme reflects the importance of sustained partnerships in building a stronger and more sustainable cocoa industry, with farmers playing a central role in its growth.
