In a bid to address the challenges of farmer regeneration and cocoa production sustainability, North Kolaka regency hosted the Cacao Care program from July 7–8, 2025.

The initiative jointly organized by Syngenta Indonesia a subsidiary of the Switzerland-based Syngenta Group, the North Kolaka Agriculture and Livestock Agency, and the local Education Agency aims to engage both students and cocoa farmers in a comprehensive knowledge and capacity-building effort.

The two-day event in Rante Angin brought together around 500 students and 150 cocoa farmers. According to North Kolaka Regent Nur Rahman Umar, the program marks a strategic step toward securing the future of cocoa farming in one of Indonesia’s key cocoa-producing regions.

“This program is expected to be a starting point for the regeneration of cocoa farmers and to improve their welfare,” said Nur Rahman, as quoted in an official release on Monday, July 14, 2025.

North Kolaka, known for its significant contribution to Indonesia’s cocoa industry, has seen declining productivity in recent years. Aging trees, outdated farming practices, and waning interest among younger generations have become major obstacles to sustainability in the sector.

To tackle these issues, the first day of Cacao Care focused on student engagement. Participants were introduced to key agricultural practices, such as top grafting, a method that rejuvenates aging cocoa trees and accelerates fruit production.

In addition to agricultural training, Syngenta Indonesia donated school supplies to support students’ education and encourage their potential role as future cocoa growers.

On the second day, activities shifted toward farmer-focused training. Farmers received guidance on sustainable and high-yield cocoa cultivation techniques, aligned with market demands for environmentally conscious farming and higher-quality produce.

President Director of Syngenta Indonesia, Eryanto, reaffirmed the company's commitment to advancing Indonesian cocoa farming through its Petani MAJU strategy.

“Syngenta is dedicated to maximizing farmer profitability, empowering more farmers with innovation and technology, and championing sustainability,” he said.

Syngenta Indonesia has operated in Indonesia since the 1960s through legacy companies. With four production facilities located in Cikampek, Gunung Putri, Kediri, and Pasuruan, the company employs over 800 staff members committed to advancing the agricultural sector from upstream to downstream.

“Through collaboration with the government and the Ma’ Patuo cocoa farming community, we aim to realize our vision of Kakao Emas Indonesia a concrete step toward a brighter future for cocoa agriculture,” Eryanto said.