RANAU: About 50 cocoa farmers from the Ranau area took part in a practical training programme aimed at improving farm management skills, crop quality and productivity under the Malaysian Cocoa Board’s 2026 Cocoa Cultivation Intensive Programme.
The programme opened its 2026 activities in the southern section of Ranau at a selected cocoa farm in Kampung Suminimpod on Wednesday.
Organised by the Malaysian Cocoa Board (LKM) through its Technology Transfer and Extension Division (TOTe), Ranau Unit, the initiative adopts a hands-on approach, allowing farmers to learn and apply recommended cultivation techniques directly in the field.
A total of 15 the Board’s personnel were involved in the programme to facilitate the activities and provide technical guidance to participants.
The training covered several important aspects of cocoa cultivation (including farm management, planting alignment and spacing, seedling techniques, fertilisation), as well as the control of crop diseases and pests.
Participants were also introduced to the characteristics of quality cocoa beans, helping them understand the importance of producing better-quality raw materials for the cocoa industry.
The practical sessions were conducted at the farm belonging to Suteh binti Kuding, who made her plantation available as the venue for the programme.
The initiative is part of LKM’s efforts to strengthen knowledge and technical capabilities among cocoa farmers, particularly in ensuring that recommended cultivation practices are properly implemented at farm level.
Through direct demonstrations and field-based learning, farmers are given the opportunity to better understand the techniques involved and apply them to improve the management of their own plantations.
The Board’s TOTe Ranau Unit expressed appreciation to the participating farmers for their attendance and cooperation, as well as to Suteh for providing her farm as the programme venue.
The initiative is expected to contribute towards improving cocoa production, enhancing bean quality and supporting the long-term sustainability of the cocoa industry, particularly among farming communities under the supervision of TOTe Ranau Unit.
