Above-average rainfall boosts cocoa production prospects in Ivory Coast

Côte d’Ivoire, the world's largest cocoa producer, is experiencing heavy rains in its main cocoa-growing regions, leading to optimism among farmers about a higher production in the October-March season. The increased rainfall is aiding cocoa pod development, but there are concerns about the quality of the beans due to potential difficulties in the drying process. Demand for high-quality cocoa remains strong, and buyers are hopeful that they will be able to fulfill their contracts ahead of schedule. Average temperatures are ranging from 24.2 to 26.9 degrees Celsius, and farmers are closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure proper harvesting and drying of the beans.

Heavy rains in the main cocoa-growing regions of Côte d’Ivoire have fueled optimism among farmers about higher production in the October-March season. Côte d’Ivoire, the world’s largest cocoa producer, is currently experiencing its rainy season, which runs from April to mid-November. Farmers say the weather, especially increased rainfall, is helping cocoa pods develop, which could result in a more bountiful harvest next year. “We are off to a good start,” said Innocent Adiane, a farmer in the eastern Abengourou region. “We have a lot of cocoa beans, but we need sun to dry them properly.” While most regions have seen above-average rainfall, suggesting high yields, there are concerns about the quality of the beans. Excessive rainfall, combined with cloudy skies, could hamper the drying process of the beans, which is essential to ensuring their quality. This concern was echoed by farmers in southern regions such as Agboville and Divo, who also faced heavy rains. In the western ...