Despite below-average rainfall in most cocoa-growing regions, moisture levels last week were adequate to support the development of Ivory Coast’s April-to-September mid-crop, farmers told Reuters on Monday.
As the world's leading cocoa producer enters its dry season from November to March—when rainfall is typically minimal—farmers noted that the October-to-March main crop had already tapered off. While last week’s rainfall was sufficient for pod development, they cautioned that persistent high temperatures meant plantations would require substantial rainfall from next week through late April to enhance mid-crop yields and maintain bean quality.
In the central cocoa-growing regions, farmers observed a steady rise in temperatures each week. They warned that if the trend continues, it could weaken trees and jeopardize young pods unless rainfall improves.
The mid-crop marketing season is set to officially commence in early April, but many growers anticipate a slow start with limited cocoa available for harvest.
“For now, conditions are manageable, but if this extreme heat persists without heavy rain, we’ll suffer losses,” said Frederic Essien, a farmer in Bongouanou, where 8 mm of rain fell last week—7.9 mm below the five-year average.
Similar weather patterns were reported in the west-central region of Daloa and the central region of Yamoussoukro. However, in the western region of Soubre and the southern region of Divo, rainfall exceeded the seasonal average. Farmers there said the conditions were favorable for a strong and extended mid-crop, with plantations showing an abundance of well-developed pods.
“The weather has been good so far. We expect harvesting to begin gradually next week,” said Kouassi Kouame, who farms near Soubre, where 12.6 mm of rain fell last week—0.7 mm above the average.
Similar sentiments were echoed in the southern region of Agboville and the eastern region of Abengourou, where rainfall remained below average.
Last week, average temperatures across Ivory Coast ranged from 28.4°C to 33.4°C.