A sustainable and ecological approach to integrated cocoa pest management in Indonesia

Abstract

Cocoa is one of Indonesia’s leading plantation crops, playing a crucial role in providing employment, generating foreign exchange, and income for farmers. However, many cocoa plantations are old and damaged due to inadequate maintenance and pest attacks. Farmers frequently apply crop management practices without considering the environmental impact, such as using inorganic fertilizers, chemical pesticides and herbicides, and intensive land exploitation. There is a need to increase sustainable cocoa production while preserving environmental quality and resources. The strength and weaknesses of all available resources supporting cocoa production including integrated pest management were analysed by collecting primary and secondary data in cocoa production centre. Sustainable and ecological approach which utilizes natural resources efficiently without harming the environment with technological support were used. Research and extension institutions in Indonesia which developed technologies to address pest problems are also considered in synthesizing recommendation of sustainable cocoa IPM.