Ivorian Rains Boost the Cocoa Harvest After the Drought

Rains increased in most cocoa-growing regions of Côte d'Ivoire last week, farmers said on Monday, raising hopes of renewed growth after the mid-crop suffered from last month's exceptionally dry weather.

The rainy season in the world's top cocoa producer runs from mid-March to the end of October, but this season has been slow to start. Farmers feared that the April-to-September harvests would be disrupted by last month's lack of rain.

Farmers said on Monday they were happy because rainfall levels, while still below seasonal averages, were higher than in previous weeks. They expect rains to be heavier in May and June, which will speed up the end of the mid-crop.

They said many beans were now leaving the bush, although many of those delivered remained small.

"The rain is improving, it's good for the trees and for the rest of the mid-crop," said Hervé Konan, who farms near the centre-west region of Daloa, the source of a quarter of national output.

"The trees need abundant rain until June," Konan said.

Data collected by Reuters showed that rainfall in Daloa, including the Bouafle area, was 18.3 millimetres last week, 5.7 mm below the five-year average.

Similar conditions were reported in the central regions of Bongouanou and Yamoussoukro.

In the western region of Soubré, in the heart of the cocoa belt, farmers said the mid-crop would probably be as healthy as last year's.

"There are good harvests and there are still plenty of small pods on the trees, and even flowers," said Kouassi Kouame, who farms near Soubré.

The data showed that rainfall in Soubré, which includes the Sassandra and San Pedro areas, was 27.4 mm last week, 1.4 mm below the five-year average.

Farmers in the southern regions of Agboville and Divo also said the mid-crop harvest would improve if enough rain fell in May and June.

In the eastern region of Abengourou, known for the quality of its beans, farmers said the mid-crop was developing well.

"Everything is fine. We have a lot of cocoa, but harvests will slow after June," said Djue Amani, who farms near Abengourou.