More than 600 cocoa seedlings have been delivered to three schools in Madang Province as part of the PNG Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification Program (PACD), a National Government initiative supported by the World Bank. Karkar Secondary School, Anul Lutheran High School, and Kabilmas Primary School in Sumkar District are now joining over 500 individual cocoa farmers under the Biabi Enterprise Limited PACD Cocoa Productive Partnership. Biabi Enterprise, based on Karkar Island, acts as a lead partner and intermediary, supporting farmers to implement a K1 million cocoa rehabilitation project. PACD Project Management Unit Productive Partnership Officer for the Momase region, Francis Ulangian, commended the schools for showing initiative in integrating cocoa farming into school activities. “The resilience and determination of these schools is inspiring. They are teaching students that agriculture can be a viable and rewarding path, even while in school,” Alongside the seedlings, schools also received cocoa toolkits, including spades, bush knives, knapsack sprayers, and pole pruners, to equip them for hands-on learning and productivity. Other PACD partnerships in Madang include Kulili Estate on Karkar Island and NGO Promotional Incorporation, each supporting 500 farmers. All received cocoa seedlings and essential farming tools. “This is a milestone occasion. The tools and seedlings are not just resources. They are a boost of hope and confidence that will help farmers increase productivity and strengthen market stability.” Meanwhile, Peter Sumaiang, of Biabi Assistance Project, acknowledged that while some had doubts at the start, those who believed in the project are now seeing results. “In the next three to four years, cocoa production in Karkar Island and Madang will increase significantly as more people join the industry.” The partnerships will also benefit from cocoa combination solar dryers, resource centers, and chemical storage sheds. Construction of fermentaries is already underway, with Madang Technical College’s Welding and Drafting Department engaged for the work.