Ivory Coast cocoa growing conditions are favourable for the April-September mid-crop harvest despite a lack of rain last week, farmers said on Monday. The main crop harvest is nearing completion in the world's top cocoa producer and farmers are eyeing the weather for the next round of production. Weather was hot and dry last week but soil moisture remained adequate, farmers said.
The Harmattan, a dry wind that blows in dust from the Sahara between December and March, has been mild so far. Last year the wind was strong and caused severe crop damage. In the western region of Soubre, in the heart of the cocoa belt, farmers said they were expecting a good start to the mid-crop. "If there is enough rain this month, the mid-crop will be plentiful because there are lots of small pods on the trees," said Salame Kone, who farms in the outskirts of Soubre.
But in the centre-western region of Daloa, which accounts for about a quarter of national output, farmers said they were struggling to sell their beans as low global prices have decreased demand. New York and London cocoa futures hit three-year lows last month on strong supply and forecasts of a global surplus next year. "We are not managing to sell our beans because buyers say the prices have fallen sharply in London," said Albert N'Zue, who farms near Daloa.
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