ABIDJAN, April 27, 2011- Patchy rains and sun in Ivory Coast's cocoa growing regions last week was good news for the development of the April-to-September mid-crop, farmers and analysts said on Tuesday.
Traders are eyeing the mid-crop in the world's top cocoa producer, with several exporters forecasting between 250,000 and 300,000 tonnes reaching port -- where warehouses are already brimming with tonnage delayed by a violent political struggle.
A top cocoa sector official told Reuters on Tuesday he expected exports to resume in the coming days, once a disute over customs payment arrangements is settled.
"Despite the crisis, we're expecting a good mid-cropharvest. It will be between 250,000 and 300,000 tonnes," said the purchases manager of a major export company.
"The rainfall levels are good and our information from the countryside is that the pods are developing well," he said.
In the western region of Soubre, at the heart of the cocoa belt, analyst reported 32 millimetres of rain mixed with sunny spells -- ideal for the drying of beans and the development of small pods on the trees.
"At this very moment, we can say the mid-crop is a success," said Lazare Ake, a farmer in the Soubre region.
"I am optimistic because there are a lot of flowers and small pods on the trees and there will be more rain in the weeks ahead because of the onset of the rainy season," he said.
Similar growing conditions were reported in the centre-western region of Daloa, where three abundant rains were reported.
"It is going well here. It is raining and the farmers are going to intensify their work for the harvest in the coming weeks," said farmer Attoungbre Kouame.
In coastal region of Sassandra, analysts reported 42 millimetres of rain with farmers rushing into the bush for the harvest of ripe beans.
"Lots of the beans are ripe. It is enough now for the farmers to start cutting them down," said Lassene Traore, an agronomist. "There will be a great deal of cocoa starting in May. Already, we are seeing lots of cocoa being dried on the
roadside and in the camps."
In the southern region of Aboisso, analyst reported 14 millimetres of rains punctuated with sunny spells.
"Farmers are in the process of drying beans and stockpiling them. Everyone is waiting for the restart of trade," said farmer Etienne Yao.
No rainfall was reported in the eastern region of Abengourou but farmers said they were upbeat about the development of the mid-crop.
"There's no rain, but the mid-crop will come out well. Farmers are in the countryside for the harvest," said farmer Joseph Amani.
Source: Reuters
