Rains were below average last week in Ivory Coast’s key cocoa regions, and farmers are hoping for more rain and sunshine in September and October to boost the main crop’s size and duration, which runs from October to March.
As the world’s top cocoa producer, Ivory Coast is in its rainy season from April to mid-November.
Despite the season’s abundant and often heavy rains, this year’s precipitation has been lower than expected.
Farmers report that harvesting has been slow but is expected to pick up in September and October due to the maturing pods on trees.
They stress the need for balanced weather to ensure the crop’s quality and yield through February.
In areas like Soubre, Agboville, and Divo, where rainfall was below average, and Abengourou, where it was above, the mid-crop will finish strong.
Many pods are on trees to support a strong start to the main crop in October.
Regions such as Daloa and Yamoussoukro saw below-average rains, while Bongouanou had more than usual. Farmers expect an earlier start to the main crop harvest this year, with many beans ready for sale by the end of September.
