Cooler-than-normal temperatures in the Ivory Coast have raised some concerns for cocoa farmers regarding the crop.
This was despite above-average rains boosting the development of the October to March crop in most of the country’s growing regions last week.
Global cocoa prices have risen as supplies shrink due to changing weather patterns.
The world’s top cocoa producer is currently in its rainy season, which runs officially from April to mid-November.
Farmers said the crop was developing well so they expected significant volumes of good quality beans to leave the bush from September.
They added that harvesting would increase sharply in October.
However, some farmers said they were concerned by cooler weather over the last week.
If colder temperatures persist until mid-September it will stop the crop reaching its maximum potential and could prevent farmers from properly drying the first beans.
Good Rainfall
In the west-central region of Daloa and the central regions of Yamoussoukro and Bongouanou – where rains were above average last week – farmers said good rainfall mixed with sunny spells in September and October would help the main crop last longer than last year.
They added that they were still optimistic that the main crop would have a strong start in October.
Farmer and co-operative member Remi Allou said, “We’re happy this year when we look at branches and trunks of the trees. It’s full of cocoa.”
Allou farms near Daloa, where 27.3mm of rain fell last week, 4.2mm above the five-year average.
In other areas such as the western region of Soubre, rains were below average, and farmers said that despite the crops developing well, a cold wave was threatening young fruits.
Salame Kone, who farms near Soubre, said, “For the moment there is no damage, but if the cold persists, it could dry out many small pods.”
Farmers in those western regions said signs pointed to an earlier start to main crop harvesting compared with last year.
Average temperatures across Ivory Coast ranged from 23.8 to 26.5 degrees Celsius over the past week.
Read More: Nestlé’s Chocolate Prices In Focus Among High Cocoa Costs
