NEWS: A shortage of cocoa beans has caused near shutdown of processing plants in Ivory Coast and Ghana which together produce about 60% of global cocoa.

About Cocoa

• Cocoa is an important plantation crop mainly grown for the production of chocolate and related products worldwide.
• Crop of humid tropical regions and is native to the Amazon Basin of South America.
• Cultivated in regions around the equator between 20° North and 20° South latitude.

Geographical Distribution

• About 70% of the world’s cocoa production comes from West African countries namely Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon.
• Ivory Coast and Ghana alone contribute around 60% of global cocoa production making them highly significant.
• In Indiaà Cocoa is mainly grown in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu as an intercrop with arecanut and coconut

Climatic Conditions Required

• Cocoa requires an annual rainfall of 1500–2000 mm for proper growth.
• Cocoa grows in temperature range of 15°C to 39°C with an optimum temperature of around 25°C.
• Cocoa is generally cultivated up to 300 metres above mean sea level.
• Cocoa requires deep and welldrained soils for healthy growth.
• Mostly cultivated in clay loam and sandy loam soils.
• Deal soil pH range for cocoa cultivation is between 6.5 and 7.0.

Key Issue Highlighted

• Global cocoa supplyà Highly concentrated in West Africa making the supply chain vulnerable to disruptions such as climate change, pests or political instability.
• Shortages have disrupted global chocolate industry and processing activities.

Conclusion

• Cocoaà Climate-sensitive plantation crop concentrated in tropical regions and its global supply is vulnerable due to geographic concentration.
• Diversification of production and sustainable practicesà essential for stabilising supply.