A young volunteer is using his practical knowledge of cocoa farming to help rural communities in Central Province turn the crop into a source of income and economic opportunity.

Twenty-nine-year-old Shadrach Vaka Jnr, a self-taught Didiman, is sharing his years of experience in cocoa cultivation with villagers in Gavuone, Abau District, hoping to change how local farmers view the industry.

Originally from Gavuone village in Central Province and Lungalunga in East New Britain, Shadrach grew up on his mother's cocoa plantation in Rabaul, where he developed practical farming skills from an early age.

He said growing up around cocoa taught him the value of the crop through observation and hands-on experience.

After joining the National Volunteer Service (NVS), Shadrach was placed in the agriculture sector under an agreement with the Central Provincial Government. He graduated with Batch 20 volunteers earlier this year.

During his return to Gavuone, he identified an opportunity to help local farmers improve their cocoa production.

Although cocoa was already being cultivated in the area, many farmers lacked the technical knowledge to properly manage their crops and turn them into a reliable source of commercial income.

Shadrach said some villagers had already started establishing cocoa nurseries but needed guidance on cultivation and crop management.

He began conducting practical demonstrations and training sessions under mango trees, sharing techniques he had gained from working alongside experienced cocoa growers on his family's plantation.

His training covers proper pruning, spacing and pest control to improve production, as well as fermentation and drying methods to maintain the quality of harvested cocoa beans.

He has also introduced simple fermentation boxes and drying facilities to help farmers produce beans that meet export quality standards.

Alongside commercial production, Shadrach encourages farmers to intercrop cocoa with food crops such as taro, cassava and bananas to support household food security.

Through regular discussions with community leaders, nursery operators and young people, he continues to promote cocoa farming as a long-term investment for families.

He said his goal was not only to encourage income generation but also to help communities build a sustainable future through agriculture.

The initiative is also bringing villagers together, with local youth leader Paul Geno saying community members are now working collectively to manage shared nurseries and fermentation facilities.

Geno said farmers were beginning to understand that successful cocoa farming required the right knowledge and commitment.

While some villagers remain hesitant, Shadrach believes more people will take up cocoa farming as they begin to see the results of improved production and management.

His work highlights the role young volunteers can play in transferring practical skills, strengthening rural livelihoods and creating economic opportunities at the community level.

The National Volunteer Service has commended Shadrach's grassroots initiative, describing it as an example of how individual commitment and practical expertise can support economic self-reliance in rural Papua New Guinea.

The NVS is a state agency mandated to recruit, train and place volunteers in communities across the country.