Hot, dry weather in some of Ivory Coast's main cocoa growing regions last week threatened development of the April-to-September mid-crop, farmers said on Monday, although good rain was reported in other areas. The dry season in the world's top cocoa producer runs from mid-November to March, during which downpours are scarce. Some farmers are now looking ahead with concern, as weather in April will determine the size of the mid-crop, they said.
Poor growing conditions were reported in the eastern region of Abengourou and the southern region of Aboisso, and to a lesser extent in the western region of Bouafle and the central region of Yamoussoukro. "It has been very hot all this month and the rain has not been good," said Eric Brou, who farms in the outskirts of Aboisso.
"We don't have enough fruit on the trees for the mid-crop and we don't have money to maintain the plantations if the cocoa doesn't come," he said. In Abengourou, known for the good quality of its beans, farmers said the crop would not reach its maximum potential but could see late growth if the weather improves.
"There is not much (fruit) on the trees. But if there is good rain in April, certain plantations will have a harvest beginning in June," said Abou Drama, who farms near Abengourou. Farmers reported one downpour in the centre-western region of Daloa, which accounts for about a quarter of national output, and at least two good rains in the western region of Duekoue. Good growing conditions were also reported in southern regions Agboville and Divo and in the western region of Soubre.
"The pods have developed well on the trees. The harvest will start slowly next month and will increase in May," said Koffi Kouame, who farms in the outskirts of Soubre. Albert N'Zue, who farms near Daloa, also said there were lots of pods on the trees and that the mid-crop would likely be concentrated between May and July.