Ivory Coast’s cocoa sector is heading into the heart of the 2025 main crop season with optimism, as light but persistent rainfall across key growing regions continues to support healthy pod development. Farmers across the world’s largest cocoa-producing nation reported on Monday that harvesting activities are increasing steadily and are expected to reach their highest levels in December.
Although the country officially entered its dry season in mid-November—a period typically marked by minimal rainfall—producers say the above-average showers recorded in several regions over recent weeks have boosted the growth of young pods. These rains are considered particularly beneficial ahead of the Harmattan season, when hot, dry winds from the Sahara can stress cocoa trees and reduce yields.
Growers in Daloa, Bongouanou, and Yamoussoukro, where rainfall has been average to above normal, expressed confidence that the sustained moisture will help trees withstand the harsher conditions expected between December and March. Many reported that pods are maturing faster, suggesting that bean volumes in December will exceed those collected in November.
“We’re seeing strong pod development this year,” said Donatien Adou, a farmer near Yamoussoukro. “The rains are helping the trees, but temperatures are still very high, so more rain through mid-December would be ideal.” The area received 17.6 mm of rainfall last week—roughly 8 mm above the five-year seasonal norm.
Even in regions where rainfall was below the historical average—such as Soubre, Agboville, and Divo—farmers remain hopeful that sporadic showers will continue into late December. “There is a lot of cocoa on the trees right now, and we expect harvesting to remain strong well into next year,” said Salame Kone from Soubre, which recorded only 7.6 mm of rain last week, 12.3 mm below usual levels.
Agricultural observers note that bean quality remains high across most regions, and buyers have expressed satisfaction with the current crop. Analysts say weather conditions over the next three weeks will be critical in determining whether Ivory Coast can sustain its positive production outlook, especially as the Harmattan intensifies.
Last week, average temperatures across major cocoa zones ranged between 26.5°C and 29.9°C (79.7°F–85.8°F), conditions considered manageable for crop development when accompanied by intermittent rainfall.
With harvesting expected to peak in December, stakeholders are cautiously optimistic that Ivory Coast will maintain strong output through the early months of 2026, reinforcing its position as the global leader in cocoa production.
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Source:Africa Publicity
