2) Farmers in the north leeward village of Rose Bank, a former cocoa producing area, lead the way in the rehabilitation of old cocoa field with the prospects of fullscale re-introduction of the crop here.

2) Farmers in the north leeward village of Rose Bank, a former cocoa producing area, lead the way in the rehabilitation of old cocoa field with the prospects of fullscale re-introduction of the crop here.

On Thursday 16th February, five of the former major cocoa producers gather with interest at Mr. Noel Sullen farm in Cocoa Valley, Rose Hall, to observe the results of a demonstration that took place late last year.

According to Treecrop Officer, Dan Richards, the cocoa field was abandoned for over 2years, with an abundance of vines, lichen, parasitic plants and exhibited signs of the diseases, Witches Broom and Black Pod. This field was cleaned, pruned, fertilized and sprayed in November. Last Thursday’s exercise was viewed with interest as the farmers withnessed a rejuvenated flowering field in readiness for the production of pods.

Mr. Sullen, on whose farm the demonstration took place, expressed his excitement with the rejuvenated apparence of the field, voicing his readiness should the cocoa project so come on stream. These sentiments were shared by his fellow farmers at the site.

According to Officer, Dan Richards, the rehabilitation of some of the abandoned cocoa field is an activity now being encouraged by the Mnistry of Agriculture. Rehabilitated fields have been known to produce cocoa pods within 1 year and continue to increase in yields with proper management.

There are a number of abandoned cocoa fields throughout St.Vincent on which the Ministry hopes to carryout similar rehabilitation exercises.