Ivory Coast farmers hope for more rain to support cocoa crop
Farmers in Ivory Coast said last week’s rainfall was below average across most cocoa-growing areas, raising concerns that additional moisture is needed to help improve the quality of beans in the March-to-August mid-crop. Ivory Coast, the world’s largest cocoa producer, is currently in its rainy season, which typically runs from April to mid-November.
Growers told Reuters that the weather has not yet posed a serious threat to trees carrying a mix of small, average, and large pods. Still, they said more rainfall is needed to strengthen the mid-crop and support pod development.
In western-central regions such as Daloa and in the central areas of Bongouanou and Yamoussoukro, rainfall was below average. Farmers there said the recent weather had helped dry beans already harvested, while also expecting more showers in the weeks ahead as cloud cover remains frequent.
“In general, beans are looking good and healthy, but the trees need enough rain to support the rest of the mid-crop,” said one farmer near Daoukro, where rainfall was also below average.
By contrast, farmers in the western region of Soubré and the eastern regions of Abengourou, Agboville, and Divo reported more regular rainfall. They said the additional moisture is helping improve both bean quality and pod growth.
Temperatures across the main cocoa belt last week ranged from 29 to 33.2 degrees Celsius.
Cocoa Intel
