Cocoa farmers hope for March recovery after season starts poorly

Cocoa farmers are optimistic about a potential recovery in the March harvest, following a disappointing start to the season. The poor start can be attributed to heavy rains in some regions and drought in others. Some farmers faced challenges due to the excessive rainfall that hindered pod development during the flowering stage of cocoa trees. Others experienced reduced pod development because of insufficient rainfall and a prolonged dry spell. Overall, harvests have declined significantly compared to the previous year.

Joseph Agbeko, a cocoa farmer who harvested only five bags since the season began, down from 31 bags or two tons last year, predicts a sharp decline in production this season. "It has now started raining, so we are looking forward to an improved harvest by March next year," he stated.

The Ghana Cooperative Cocoa Farmers and Marketing Association, representing farmer cooperatives, cautioned against making premature predictions regarding the March harvest. Administrator Moses Djan Asiedu mentioned mixed findings from farm visits in four cocoa-growing regions. Heavy rains in certain areas led to the fall of flowers, preventing pod development.

Conversely, inadequate rainfall in other regions allowed flowers to wither and die. Asiedu indicated that improved fruiting could occur if the rains are within the right range and if the harmattan wind, which brings dry conditions, does not arrive heavily in January. The harmattan wind is expected to sweep in from the Sahara Desert between December and March.

Asiedu also warned that fertiliser distribution was delayed, with supplies arriving later than usual in August, months after the typical March to May timeframe. Some farmers have yet to receive the necessary fertiliser. The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) did not provide a response regarding the reasons behind the delayed fertilizer distribution during this season.

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) had informed Reuters in July that output was expected to decrease by at least 16% for this season, citing factors such as the El Nino weather pattern and excessive rain in May and June. However, COCOBOD has not issued an updated forecast. The Ghana Meteorological Agency confirmed the presence of a strong El Nino, warning that it could expose certain parts of the country to prolonged dry spells, potentially impacting agricultural production.

Ghana produced 771,000 metric tons last season, exceeding the target of 650,000 metric tons. Unfortunately, COCOBOD has not announced a target for this season.