Abundant rainfall in key cocoa-growing regions of Ivory Coast has boosted the October-to-March main crop, farmers reported on Monday. However, buyers expressed concerns about potential quality issues.
The world’s leading cocoa producer is currently in its rainy season, which extends from April to mid-November. Farmers have successfully harvested twice per month in October, and the main crop’s harvesting is expected to continue through November and December, peaking in December.
Cooperative managers told Reuters that the flow of cocoa beans has increased steadily since the beginning of the month. Despite this, buyers have complained about deliveries containing moldy beans.
Some cooperatives have also faced financial challenges due to the recent price increase to 1,800 CFA francs ($2.99) per kilogram. Farmers are demanding upfront payments for their beans, straining cooperative finances.
In the western region of Soubre, southern regions of Agboville and Divo, and eastern Abengourou, where rainfall exceeded average levels, farmers and cooperative members expressed optimism about the crop’s development until January. However, they acknowledged that transportation of cocoa beans from plantations and villages would be delayed due to rain-damaged rural roads.
Kouassi Kouame, a farmer near Soubre, reported abundant green pods in plantations, indicating a promising and prolonged main crop. In Soubre, 45.3 millimeters (mm) of rain fell last week, surpassing the five-year average by 18.7 mm.
In the west-central region of Daloa and central regions of Bongouanou and Yamoussoukro, above-average rainfall last week was complemented by sunny spells, creating favorable conditions for drying and improving bean quality. Victor Kanga, a farmer near Daloa, noted the well-spaced rains and sufficient sunshine, which would enhance bean quality. The region received 34 mm of rain last week, 9.9 mm more than the average.
Average temperatures across Ivory Coast ranged from 25.2 to 27.5 degrees Celsius.