Rising Demand for Indian Cocoa Beans
Indian Cocoa Farmers Boost Production Amid Growing Global Demand
In Kerala, India, George Matthew inherited a rubber plantation in the 1970s but turned to cocoa farming due to declining rubber prices.
Despite initial challenges, including squirrel interference, Matthew's cocoa plantation eventually flourished.
Over a decade, he cultivated 6,000 cocoa trees on his 50-acre farm.
India currently accounts for only 1% of global cocoa bean production, with West Africa leading, despite favorable conditions in India.
Indian farmers struggle with fragmented holdings and are often inefficient in post-harvest cocoa processing, according to Renny Jacob, chairman of India Cocoa, and Sarin Partrick, CEO of the company.
Collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and academia aim to enhance cocoa production by developing disease-resistant hybrid seeds and training farmers on modern practices.
Initiatives spearheaded by researchers like Dr. Minimol J.S. at Kerala Agriculture University in collaboration with Cadbury are pivotal, leading to new hybrid varieties that thrive in temperatures as high as 40°C.
Indian cocoa bean production surged to 110,000 tonnes in 2023 but still lags behind local chocolate industry demand, rising at 15% annually.
Local companies like Chennai-based Kocoatrait promote indigenous beans for lower carbon impact, cost, and unique taste.
Founder Nitin Chordia emphasizes improving post-harvest techniques among farmers for quality enhancement.
While significant progress is noted, Indian cocoa's global reputation remains a work in progress.
Dr. Matthew, despite occasional setbacks, remains optimistic about cocoa's future profitability, underscoring diverse farming as essential due to cocoa's unpredictability.
Despite initial challenges, including squirrel interference, Matthew's cocoa plantation eventually flourished.
Over a decade, he cultivated 6,000 cocoa trees on his 50-acre farm.
India currently accounts for only 1% of global cocoa bean production, with West Africa leading, despite favorable conditions in India.
Indian farmers struggle with fragmented holdings and are often inefficient in post-harvest cocoa processing, according to Renny Jacob, chairman of India Cocoa, and Sarin Partrick, CEO of the company.
Collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and academia aim to enhance cocoa production by developing disease-resistant hybrid seeds and training farmers on modern practices.
Initiatives spearheaded by researchers like Dr. Minimol J.S. at Kerala Agriculture University in collaboration with Cadbury are pivotal, leading to new hybrid varieties that thrive in temperatures as high as 40°C.
Indian cocoa bean production surged to 110,000 tonnes in 2023 but still lags behind local chocolate industry demand, rising at 15% annually.
Local companies like Chennai-based Kocoatrait promote indigenous beans for lower carbon impact, cost, and unique taste.
Founder Nitin Chordia emphasizes improving post-harvest techniques among farmers for quality enhancement.
While significant progress is noted, Indian cocoa's global reputation remains a work in progress.
Dr. Matthew, despite occasional setbacks, remains optimistic about cocoa's future profitability, underscoring diverse farming as essential due to cocoa's unpredictability.
