Technical Training for Strengthening Cacao Farmer Institutions in Kapuas Hulu 2025: Building a Sustainable Cacao Foundation from Upstream to Downstream

The Technical Training for Strengthening Cacao Farmer Institutions in Kapuas Hulu Regency 2025 was officially held on 12–14 November in Sejiram Village. The program was initiated by the Plantation Agency of West Kalimantan Province, in collaboration with Kalara Borneo, GIZ, and Koperasi Bina Tapang Mandiri, as a strategic effort to enhance the capacity of local cacao farmers.

A total of 50 cacao farmers from three farmer groups participated in the training, with around 60% of the participants being women farmers who showed strong enthusiasm in learning about cacao cultivation and post-harvest practices for fermented cacao beans. The active involvement of women farmers became one of the highlights of the event, reflecting their crucial role in maintaining the sustainability of smallholder farming at the community level. Comprehensive Training from Cultivation to Post-Harvest

Throughout the three-day program, participants received both theoretical materials and hands-on practice covering:

• Good cacao cultivation practices, including plant maintenance, pest management, and sustainable farm management.

• Post-harvest techniques for fermented cacao beans, such as fruit selection, bean handling, fermentation processes, and proper drying methods.

This practice-based approach was designed to help farmers immediately apply the techniques in their own fields, enabling consistent improvements in the quality and productivity of local cacao. Strategic Collaboration to Strengthen the Kapuas Hulu Cacao Supply Chain

Beyond technical training, the program also served as a platform to connect multiple stakeholders within the cacao industry. Through collaborative discussions and planning, partners identified key roles across the cacao supply chain from upstream to downstream, including the strengthening of Kapuas Hulu fermented cacao, which serves as the raw material for bean to bar chocolate.

This collaborative approach supports the development of a more structured and competitive cacao ecosystem, unlocking opportunities in both local and international markets. Future Direction: Agroforestry as the Pathway for Cacao Development in Kapuas Hulu

One of the long-term expectations of the program is that more cacao farms will adopt agroforestry systems, integrating cacao with shade trees and other productive crops. This approach not only diversifies farmers’ income but also contributes to environmental conservation and the economic resilience of rural communities.

With strong institutional support and the commitment of local farmers, Kapuas Hulu, especially its cacao-producing areas, is well-positioned to continue growing as a producer of high-quality fermented cacao with the distinctive character of West Kalimantan.