Ivory Coast Rains Improve Prospects for Cocoa Output, Farmers Report
Producers across Ivory Coast say recent weather patterns have turned far more favourable for cocoa development, raising hopes for stronger yields in the upcoming February–March harvest window.
Much of the country’s main cocoa belt received above-normal rainfall during the previous week, followed by stretches of warm, sunny weather. Farmers note that this combination is ideal for the final growth stage of pods forming for the main-crop tail and the early portion of the mid-crop.
Growers describe pods as well filled, firm, and plentiful, with many expecting a steady pace of deliveries in December and into January if current conditions persist. Several farmers also commented that the rains have strengthened trees ahead of the seasonal Harmattan.
The Harmattan, a dry northeasterly wind that typically arrives from December through March, can sharply reduce humidity and cause moisture stress that damages small pods. Farmers stressed that a later or milder Harmattan would significantly improve output potential.
In southern regions such as Agboville and Aboisso, growers reported rainfall staying close to or above average. In parts of Soubre, where showers had lagged earlier, farmers said moisture levels improved last week. Central areas like Daloa, Bongouanou, and Yamoussoukro also experienced good rainfall totals, with many expecting additional showers in December to preserve bean quality for February.
One farmer in southern Divo said his area received 24.3 mm of rain last week — far above the long-term average — and suggested that if this pattern holds, harvesting in February and March should be strong.
Producers added that even if the dry season begins soon, the current soil moisture reserves are high enough to support pod development into early 2026, provided the Harmattan is not unusually intense.
Weekly regional temperatures ranged roughly 27°C to 30.8°C, considered normal for this period.
Source: Based on information originally reported by Reuters, independently summarized and rewritten by CocoaIntel.
