
Cocoa farmers in Ivory Coast, the world’s top cocoa producer, are expressing concern over a persistent lack of rainfall, which could negatively impact the upcoming mid-crop harvest.
The dry season, which typically extends from mid-November to March, is characterized by low rainfall.
However, farmers in regions such as Daloa, Bongouanou, and Yamoussoukro have reported a significant lack of rain in recent weeks.
This dry spell could lead to decreased yields, drying of cocoa pods, and ultimately, a smaller mid-crop harvest.
Farmers in other regions, such as Soubre, Agboville, and Divo, while experiencing lower-than-average rainfall, remain optimistic that timely rainfall before the end of January could still ensure a healthy mid-crop development.
The impact of the dry weather on cocoa production is a significant concern for the Ivorian cocoa industry, as the mid-crop constitutes a crucial portion of the country’s annual cocoa output.