Ivory Coast Farmers Expect Strong Mid-Crop Output Despite Recent Dry Spell
Cocoa farmers across Ivory Coast report that the upcoming April-to-September mid-crop is developing under generally favorable conditions, even though most growing regions received no rainfall last week.
Producers say that existing soil moisture remains sufficient to support pod growth and improve bean size and quality. Ivory Coast, the world’s leading cocoa producer, is currently in its main crop season, which runs from mid-November through March—a period typically marked by limited rainfall.
Last week’s weather was notably hot, and growers emphasized that rainfall in March will be important to help trees endure the dry season without stress. Even so, many farmers indicated that moisture levels since the beginning of the season have enabled trees to sustain a healthy mix of pods at different growth stages, including small, medium, and developing pods, as well as flowers.
If March brings regular rainfall, farmers do not anticipate supply shortages during the mid-crop. Some are optimistic that both output and bean quality could exceed last season’s levels.
However, not all producers are benefiting from the positive outlook. In certain areas, farmers reported difficulty selling existing stocks due to a lack of buyers. As a result, some have been unable to fund transportation and pay labor costs.
Rainfall was absent last week in key cocoa-growing zones, including Soubre in the west, Agboville and Divo in the south, and Abengourou in the east. Despite the dry conditions, farmers in these regions say that trees still carry enough pods to complete the final stage of the October-to-March main crop.
In Soubre, which has recorded approximately 8 millimeters of rainfall so far this week—well below the five-year average of 91 millimeters for the same period—farmers say March precipitation will be critical. Similar conditions were reported in Daloa, Bongouanou, and Yamoussoukro, where no rain fell last week and current rainfall remains significantly below historical averages.
Growers stress that while tree health is currently stable, consistent rainfall in the coming weeks will be essential to ensure optimal mid-crop development. Adequate moisture would support pod filling and protect yields from heat-related stress.
Temperatures last week ranged between 28.5 and 31.5 degrees Celsius (83.3 to 88.7 degrees Fahrenheit), adding to concerns about potential strain on crops if dry conditions persist.
Overall, farmers remain cautiously optimistic that with timely March rains, Ivory Coast could deliver a solid mid-crop harvest in the months ahead.
