Cocoa farmers in Ivory Coast are hoping for more sunny weather to strengthen the September-to-February main crop. The country, which is the world’s top cocoa producer, is currently in its rainy season, which typically runs from April to mid-November.
Cocoa Crop Conditions
After heavy rains flooded plantations in some regions in late June, farmers said soil moisture remained very high and more sunny spells were needed to avoid crop diseases. Farmers expect to have a clearer indication of the size of the next main crop by late August.
Flowering will continue until September, and the size of the crop will depend on the number of flowers that survive and turn into small pods. However, farmers fear that a cold wind blowing since Friday could damage the crop.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
