Cocoa

Introduction

At present, cocoa seed is cultivated in 12,400 ha with an annual production of 6,900 tonnes against the domestic requirement of 14,000 tonnes. India has earned foreign exchange of Rs 9 crores in 1995-96 and Rs 6 crores in 1996-97 through the export of cocoa seed, cocoa powder and other cocoa products.

Production area

In the parts of Mysore, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Bangalore, Hassan, Tumkur, Chitradurga and Davangere, where all the coconut gardens (3,02,000 ha) are irrigated the growth of cocoa is remarkable.

Growth promotional activities

With the chocolate manufacturing industries projecting a demand of 30,000 tonnes by 2005 AD, the demand for cocoa both in international and domestic markets is increasing rapidly. Research proved that the mixed cropping / growing cocoa as an inter- crop with coconut or arecanut helps reduce use of fertilizers and improves yield without requiring additional land. Also, there is very good scope for growing cocoa in well irigated regions of Karnataka and hence cocoa cultivation in 3000 ha of coconut gardens in Mysore, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, and Bangalore districts have been planned during the 8th and 9th plan periods.

Types

Commercial cocoa is obtained largely from two major varieties. Criollo and Forestero. Other types include Tinitario (hybrid between Criollo and Forestero) Amelonado and Amazon.