Ivory Coast cocoa farmers warn of crop risks as rains fall short, cold spell hits
Ivory Coast, the world's top cocoa producer, is in its rainy season which runs officially from April to mid-November, when rains are abundant and often heavy.
Several farmers said the main cocoa crop was developing well, with many flowers turning into small pods and young pods gaining weight. However, they warned that persistent overcast skies and a cold spell could dry out flowers and pods, while limited sunshine may increase the risk of disease in plantations.
"There is a cool spell during the day and in the evening. If this weather persists in August, it could cause the flowers and cherelles to fall," said Salame Kone, who farms near the western region of Soubre, where 2.8 mm fell last year, 11.9 mm below the five-year average.
Farmers in the southern regions of Agboville and Divo, and the eastern region of Abengourou, where rainfall was well below average, said more moisture and sunshine in the coming weeks will be critical to support crop development.
Farmers in the centre-western region of Daloa, and the central regions of Bongouanou and Yamoussoukro, said below-average rainfall and persistent overcast skies were hampering main crop development. They added that more sunshine is needed by mid-August to properly dry beans due for harvest, warning that a continued lack of sun could lead to poor quality.
"More sunshine is needed to help the cocoa," said Francois N'Guessan, who farms near Daloa, where 0.9 mm fell last week, 18.5 mm below the average.
The weekly average temperature ranged from 23.9 to 26.5 degrees Celsius.
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