Can cocoa tree grow in Tamil Nadu?
Cocoa plant is a small (4 to 8 m height) evergreen tree. In India, it is mainly cultivated in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu mainly as intercrop with Arecanut and Coconut.
Where cocoa is grown in Tamil Nadu?
The area under cocoa prior to 1980 was 22,600 ha with an estimated production of 3200 MT of dry beans. Kerala is the major state holding 18,000 ha with 1500 MT of production. In Tamil Nadu planting of cocoa started in 1980s. Cocoa was planted at Kanyakumari, Dindugal, Tirunelveli and Coimbatore (Pollachi) districts.
Which areas are best for cocoa cultivation?
In India, cocoa is grown primarily as an intercrop in Andhra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala, as the tree requires about 40-50 per cent shade. More than two-thirds of cocoa are grown in coconut groves and around a fifth with arecanut, with the rest in oil palm and rubber plantations.
Which climate is best for growing cocoa tree?
tropical
Climate: Cocoa is essentially a plant of tropical region. The equatorial environment with high temperatures and heavy rainfall is the best. An annual rainfall of 200 to 350 cm is ideal but it will grow in areas with 150 cm of rain.
Which months are cocoa harvesting months?
Generally cocoa gives two main crops in a year i.e., September-January and April-June, off season crops may be seen almost all through the year, especially under irrigated condition. Only ripe pods have to be harvested without damaging the flower cushion, at regular intervals of 10 to 15 days.
Does cocoa grow in Ooty?
Tamilnadu hilly regions are filled with good fertile soils. This type of soil is much needed for the growth of cacao trees. Ooty and kodaikanal areas have plenty of cacao trees, that’s why you can get chocolates, cheap at these places.
Can cacao tree grow in India?
Cocoa Consumption In India, cocoa is grown primarily as an intercrop in Andhra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala, as the tree requires about 40-50 per cent shade. More than two-thirds of cocoa are grown in coconut groves and around a fifth with arecanut, with the rest in oil palm and rubber plantations.
What is the current price of cocoa?
Key Data
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Last | 2433 |
| Prior Settlement | 2397 |
| 52 Week High | 2785 |
| 52 Week Low | 2239 |
How many years does it take cocoa to produce?
After cocoa seeds are planted, it usually takes between three and five years to yield the first crop. Cocoa Hybrid varieties however can yield crops within two and three years.
What is the planting distance of cocoa?
First mark the rows for the cocoa trees, leaving about 2.5 to 3 metres between rows. Along each row, mark out with pegs the spots where the cocoa trees are to go. Leave about 2.5 to 3 metres between trees. In this way you can plant about 1 000 to 1 600 seedlings per hectare.
How much are cocoa farmers paid?
Cocoa farmers in Ghana make $1/day, while those in Côte d’Ivoire make around $0.78/day—both significantly below the extreme poverty line. Farmers are often unable to bear the costs of cocoa farming as a result of low incomes.
Where are the cocoa plantations located in India?
In India, cocoa plantation is usually seen in the state of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Cocoa beans are cultivated in smaller extents in some states only when compared to other countries.
Which is the best way to grow cocoa in India?
Thus commercial cultivation of cocoa can be taken up in plantations where 50 per cent of light is ideally available. In India, coconut and arecanut gardens are suited best for cultivating Cocoa. Under arecanut 30-50% of sunlight penetrates through their canopy which can be intercepted by cocoa.
Which is the top producer of cocoa beans in India?
In India, this crop is grown as mixed crop in suitable regions. Kerala state of south India tops the production of cocoa beans in Indian continent. Ivory Coast is top producer of cocoa beans in the world. Usually, cocoa is grown as mixed crop in arecanut, coconut and oil palm gardens.
How to prepare the soil for cocoa cultivation?
Land Preparation for Cocoa Cultivation:- Land should be prepared by giving 3 to 4 ploughings until the soil attains fine tilth stage. If the crop is grown on large scale (commercially), it is advised to go for soil test. Based on test results, soil should be supplemented with required nutrients.