Potential land and technology recommendation for cacao in Papua, Indonesia

Abstract

Cacao is a primary commodity in the Keerom Regency, but production has been decreasing in recent years. Cacao cultivation on unsuitable land and without cutting-edge technology would impede efforts to increase its productivity. The study aimed to evaluate land suitability for cacao in Keerom Regency, Papua, and to suggest site-specific technologies. The study was carried out in the Keerom Regency of Papua in 2015. Land suitability assessment was carried out by matching data on land characteristics (climate, slope, soil type, and soil fertility) with land use requirements for cacao cultivation. The data was analyzed using geographic information systems. The result showed that 78.077 ha (8.60%) of the studied area were highly suitable for cacao cultivation, 123.645 ha (13.63%) was moderately suitable, and 389.603 ha (42.94%) was marginally suitable. About 316.082 ha (34,83%) of the studied area was classified as not-suitable. The recommendation technology for increasing cacao yields were fertilization, pruning, shade management, and individual terraces. Cultivation on suitable land and the application of technological innovations are expected to increase cacao production in Keerom Regency, Papua. The findings of this study could be used as a reference for policymakers to establish cacao development in the future.