Dry weather threatens Ivory Coast’s cocoa mid-crop

Cocoa farmers in Ivory Coast are expressing growing concerns over the impact of a persistent drought on the upcoming mid-crop season.

As the dry season continues, the lack of rainfall could significantly affect the April to September cocoa harvest.

The country, the world’s largest cocoa producer, is currently experiencing its dry season, which typically runs from mid-November to March.

Farmers are increasingly anxious as rainfall has been scarce in key growing regions.

In areas such as Daloa, Bongouanou, and Yamoussoukro, where no rain fell last week, farmers fear that the drought will harm the cocoa trees.

The lack of water could prevent the development of new flowers and young cocoa pods, known as cherelles, diminishing the size of the mid-crop.

“We need plenty of rain. In many plantations, the leaves have started to dry out on the trees. This is not good,” said Paul Dje, a farmer near Daloa.

The region saw 1.4 millimeters less rainfall than the five-year average last week, heightening concerns for the harvest.

Farmers warn that if the region does not receive adequate rainfall by early February, the start of the mid-crop harvest could be delayed.

Furthermore, the quality of the beans is expected to deteriorate as a result of the ongoing drought.

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