RANAU: Continuous field monitoring and technical guidance are crucial to strengthening Sabah’s cocoa industry, particularly as farmers work to improve productivity and produce higher-quality beans, the Malaysian Cocoa Board (LKM) has said.
Recent inspections in Ranau and Kota Marudu highlighted the agency’s ongoing efforts to ensure that cocoa cultivation continues to receive attention at the farm level.
In Ranau, a Cocoa Expansion Plantation Inspection Visit was conducted this week in Kampung Lipasu Baru, covering farms in the western division under the supervision of the TOTe Ranau Unit.
The inspection was led by Western Division Chief Supervisor Eddmas Nizam Sanin, together with area supervisor Mohd Firdaus Afendey. Three farmers’ plots were inspected, belonging to Suimin, Muin bin Tikui and Juhilim Sipin.
The field visit served as an important platform for monitoring the progress of the cocoa plants, assessing farm management practices and providing technical advice to the growers.
Regular visits also enable officers to guide farmers in adopting more effective cultivation methods, maintaining the health of their trees and improving the overall productivity of their farms.
The success of cocoa cultivation depends not only on the availability of seedlings or agricultural assistance, but also on proper and consistent farm management. Well-maintained farms are more likely to produce quality cocoa, which can contribute to better returns for farmers and strengthen the position of local cocoa as a value-added commodity.
Meanwhile, in Kota Marudu, Zone Area Supervisor Jelden Jose conducted a monitoring visit to several farms in Kampung Tandahawon on Oct 2 to assess the progress of rehabilitation work and the growth of cocoa seedlings under the 2026 Cocoa Rehabilitation Programme.
The inspection covered the farms of Erna Majion, Etah Binti Tapungoi and Jairi Karagas.
The rehabilitation programme is aimed at restoring and strengthening cocoa cultivation by ensuring that new seedlings develop properly and that farmers receive the necessary support throughout the process.
According to LKM, regular monitoring is important in identifying challenges at an early stage. Issues involving plant growth, farm maintenance and field conditions can be addressed more effectively when officers are able to assess the situation directly and provide timely follow-up action.
The visits in both districts reflect LKM’s commitment to maintaining close contact with farmers and supporting them through practical, on-site assistance.
The agency’s continued presence in the field is also expected to encourage farmers to remain committed to cocoa cultivation, especially amid the need to improve productivity and maximise the potential of the crop.
Through expansion, rehabilitation and sustained technical guidance, cocoa growers in Ranau and Kota Marudu are being supported in their efforts to develop more productive and commercially viable farms.
With proper care, continued monitoring and close cooperation between farmers and LKM officers, the cocoa sector can play a greater role in strengthening rural livelihoods and contributing to the growth of Sabah’s agricultural economy.