Cocoa prices rise again in Kerala, but farmers struggle to benefit

Nedumkandam, Idukki: The price of cocoa beans is on the rise again after a steep drop to Rs 200 earlier this year. Currently, the average price of dry cocoa beans in Idukki district is Rs 700 per kilogram, while green cocoa beans are fetching Rs 120 to Rs 140. The price in areas like Kattappana and Nedumkandam is around Rs 650 to Rs 710. This increase in price is primarily due to a global shortage of cocoa beans, but Kerala farmers are not reaping the benefits.

Despite the price hike, farmers are struggling due to low yields. The main reason for the decreased production is heavy rainfall during the months of August and September, which led to widespread flower drop across many plantations. As a result, the total cocoa production has been severely impacted. Some chocolate businesses, having anticipated this situation, had already stockpiled cocoa beans, according to some traders.

Setbacks for cocoa farming

Although cocoa prices briefly surged past Rs 1,000 earlier this year, they quickly dropped to Rs 200. Frequent weather changes, fungal diseases, and damage caused by monkeys, squirrels, and civet cats have also added to the challenges faced by cocoa farmers.

Cocoa is typically grown as an intercrop in Kerala's highlands, often alongside other crops, and requires lower maintenance costs than many other agricultural products. However, when prices for other crops fell, many farmers turned to cocoa farming as a more stable income source.

Cocoa farming has been a livelihood for many middle-class families, providing them with a steady weekly income.  Kerala contributes a considerable share of the country's total cocoa production. Cocoa farming is a crucial livelihood for many middle-class families in Idukki, which contributes 70 percent of Kerala’s total cocoa production.