BRIN and Mars Released New Superior Cocoa Varieties

Cibinong, November 01, 2023—The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), through the Centre for Horticulture and Plantation Research, released four new superior varieties of plantation commodities. The superior varieties are Wangi Sikucua areca nut, Kemloko 7 and Kemloko 8 tobacco varieties, and cocoa variety Buntu Batu 1 (BB1).

The BB1 cocoa variety was released as a result of collaborative breeding between BRIN and PT. Mars Symbioscience Indonesia. Farmers who plant the superior BB1 cocoa variety in Bupon District, Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi have the advantage of higher fruit production. The research results show that cocoa clones aged 4-5 years have a high level of productivity.

Dwinita Wikan Utami, Head of the Horticulture and Plantation Research Centre, Agriculture and Food Research Organisation (ORPP), said that the superior cocoa variety Buntu Batu 1, or BB1 for short, was registered with number 1067/PVHP/2023, dated October 19, 2023, to Center for Plant Variety Protection and Agricultural Licensing, Minister of Agriculture. The release hearing for plantation crop varieties is scheduled to be held on October 25-27, 2023, by the Directorate of Plantation Seed, Directorate General of Plantation, Ministry of Agriculture.

Dwinita hopes that the addition of released superior varieties can increase the export value of plantation products in Indonesia. Moreover, plantation commodities such as tobacco, areca nut, and cocoa remain the mainstays for national income and have the potential to generate foreign exchange for the country.

In an effort to accelerate the development of the BB1 cocoa clone, two cocoa entress have been built at the Cocoa Research Station, Tarengge Village, Wotu sub-district, East Luwu District covering an area of 0.5 hectares, with a population of 1,000 trees and in North Kolaka District, Southeast Sulawesi Province. (CSP/AV)