Cocoa farmers in Ivory Coast are calling for increased rainfall to support the growth of the upcoming mid-crop.
Rain levels were reported to be below average last week across the country’s major cocoa-growing regions. Farmers expressed concern that without more moisture, the development of the mid-crop could suffer.
Ivory Coast, the world’s largest producer of cocoa, is currently experiencing its dry season, which lasts from mid-November to March. During this period, rainfall is scarce, and the heat is intensifying.
Farmers emphasized that regular rainfall throughout March would greatly benefit the soil’s moisture content, aiding the mid-crop’s growth and longevity. The month of March is critical for the size and quality of the beans, which are harvested between April and September.
“The heat is draining the moisture from the soil, leaving the pods struggling to grow,” explained farmers in central regions. Many small and average-sized pods on trees are particularly in need of more rain to thrive.
Eugene Kassi, a farmer near Yamoussoukro, reported that only 2.7 millimeters of rain fell last week, far below the five-year average of 8.9 millimeters. He urged for consistent rainfall to ensure a successful harvest.
Despite the concerns, farmers in the western regions, such as Soubre and Agboville, are reporting positive mid-crop growth. Harvesting in these areas is expected to begin later this month.
“The pods on the trees are abundant and some are already growing large,” said Kouassi Kouame, a farmer near Soubre. He also noted that rainfall in his area fell significantly short of average levels.
Temperatures across the country last week ranged from 28.5 to 31.7 degrees Celsius, adding to the challenges farmers face.Rainfall Crucial for Ivory Coast’s Cocoa Mid-Crop Development.
