Light rains mixed with sunny spells last week have bolstered the main cocoa crop in Ivory Coast, with farmers predicting an abundant harvest through December.
The country’s top cocoa-producing regions have benefited from these weather conditions, strengthening the October-to-March main crop. This crop, which is expected to yield large volumes, will remain plentiful until at least late December.
As the country enters its dry season, which runs from mid-November to March, rainfall is expected to be scarce. In recent weeks, rains have been below average. However, periods of sunshine have helped the cocoa beans dry properly, reducing the risk of disease.
Farmers report that many cocoa trees are currently carrying large pods. The beans are expected to be harvested between November and December.
Many farmers, like Kouassi Kouame from the western region of Soubre, anticipate a strong harvest. “A lot of beans are coming out of the bush,” he said, adding that large volumes of the main crop will be released this month and next.
Regions such as Agboville, Divo, and Abengourou saw lower-than-average rains last week, but the sunny spells have contributed to high-quality beans. Meanwhile, farmers in Daloa, Bongouanou, and Yamoussoukro are hoping for more rainfall in the coming weeks to boost both the size and quality of the crop.
“If we get good rain from mid-November, harvesting will continue smoothly into January,” said Albert N’Zue, a farmer near Daloa.
Temperatures across the country remained steady, ranging from 27.1 to 28 degrees Celsius. With favorable weather, Ivory Coast’s cocoa farmers are optimistic about the season ahead.
