Cooperative System Stabilizes Cocoa Farmer Prices in Jembrana, Reaching Export Markets

A cooperative system in Jembrana, Bali, is proving instrumental in stabilizing cocoa harvest prices for hundreds of local farmers and offering comprehensive support, thereby boosting the commodity's competitiveness and access to international markets.

Ketut Sudomo, a cocoa farmer from Candikusuma Village, highlighted the crucial role of price stability provided by the cooperative. "Stable prices not only increase our income but also serve as a basis for our calculations for planting and caring for cocoa trees," he explained during a media visit. The integrated assistance from Koperasi Kerta Semaya Samaniya and the Kalimajari Foundation has significantly improved both the quality and yield of cocoa beans. Sudomo, cultivating cocoa on three hectares, now harvests over 1 ton of dried cocoa beans annually, a substantial contribution to his family's economy.

Agung Widiastuti, Director of Kalimajari, and I Ketut Wiadnyana, Chairman of Koperasi Kerta Semaya Samaniya, emphasized that the cooperative's success stems from its holistic and immediate support. This guidance covers everything from selecting appropriate seedlings suited to varying soil conditions to educating farmers on land treatment. Soil samples are analyzed in laboratories to determine the precise needs of the cocoa trees, ensuring optimal growth and quality.

To meet international standards, the cooperative's member farmers practice organic farming. This consistent process has earned Jembrana's fermented cocoa recognition as among the world's best, leading to frequent exports. Currently, 750 farmers are part of the cooperative, all receiving dedicated support. The process for fermented cocoa intended for export is highly rigorous, involving strict sorting from harvest to bean extraction. Unhealthy or pest-infested pods are separated from healthy ones, and beans are re-inspected to ensure only the best quality are processed at the cooperative's fermentation facility before marketing.