Ghanaian cocoa farmers are optimistic about the upcoming 2024/2025 season, expecting a boost in production after a significant decline in the previous season.
This decline in production led to a surge in global cocoa prices to unprecedented levels. The poor harvest in the previous season was mainly attributed to harsh weather conditions caused by El Nino, rampant smuggling, and the presence of swollen shoot disease.
The anticipated increase in cocoa production is not only good news for Ghana’s economy but also for the global chocolate industry, which has been grappling with a tight supply. More than two dozen cocoa farmers, officials from the regulatory body COCOBOD, and buyers are projecting a rebound in output for the next season. This positive outlook is attributed to improved weather conditions and efforts to rehabilitate farms affected by diseases and illegal gold mining activities.
Despite some concerns about the prevalence of swollen shoot disease in certain cocoa-growing regions, farmers are hopeful due to favorable weather conditions since March. The timely rains and intervals of sunshine have created ideal conditions for cocoa’s flowering and pod development.
Some farmers have expressed their expectations for the upcoming season based on the current status of their farms. George Opoku Koduah, a cocoa farmer in Ghana’s western Prestea district, is optimistic about a significant increase in output if he can prevent black pod disease attacks by August. Similarly, Theophilus Tamakloe from Assin Fosu community in central Ghana is hoping for a better harvest next season compared to the previous one.
However, farmers have raised concerns about inadequate supply of fertilizers and pesticides, low cocoa prices at the wholesale level, delayed payments, and smuggling of cocoa beans. Delays in the supply of fertilizers and pesticides have been reported in some regions, affecting the productivity of cocoa farms.
Furthermore, the financing of bean purchases from farmers has faced challenges, with this season’s loan getting delayed and not reaching the full amount initially planned. This insufficient funding has led to smuggling of cocoa beans in border regions with neighboring countries where cocoa fetches higher prices.
Overall, Ghanaian cocoa farmers are looking forward to a better season ahead, with hopes of overcoming the challenges they have faced in recent times. As they prepare for the upcoming harvest, they are counting on improved weather conditions and support from regulatory bodies to enhance cocoa production and contribute to the global cocoa supply.
