Mixed weather and pests pose challenge to Ivory Coast cocoa crop

Fuente:http://af.reuters.com/article/ivoryCoastNews/idAFL8N1A42TP?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0

ABIDJAN, July 18 (Reuters) - The weather was mixed in Ivory Coast's cocoa growing regions last week, with a lack of rain threatening output in some areas and caterpillars damaging the crop in others, farmers said on Monday.

Weather in July and August is crucial to determining the size of the October-to-March main crop in Ivory Coast, the world's leading cocoa producer. Farmers said cool and cloudy weather would lower production if it continues.

In the western region of Soubre, at the heart of the cocoa belt, an analyst reported 12 millimetres of rain last week, compared with 25 mm the previous week.

"There's not much rain. The sun comes out occasionally but the weather is cool," said Lazare Ake, who farms in the outskirts of Soubre.

In the centre-west region of Daloa, which produces a quarter of Ivory Coast's output, farmers reported light rain and abundant flowers and pods on the trees.

Similar growing conditions were reported in eastern region Abengourou, known for the good quality of its beans.

"We're holding out hope that production will be high for the main crop," said Gervais Kobenan, who farms near Daloa.

"But if we lack rain and heat throughout July and August it will be a catastrophe," he added.

In southern regions Aboisso and Agboville and in western regions Duekoue and Gagnoa, farmers said they were happy with the weather and had high hopes for the main crop.

But in the southern region of Tiassale, farmers said the harvest would be delayed because caterpillars were eating through their leaves.

"Caterpillars have devoured leaves in many plantations here. Farmers have started to spray the fields," said Tano N'Guessan, who farms in the outskirts of Tiassale.

Ivory Coast's state news channel said on Sunday that caterpillars had harmed about 3,500 hectares of cocoa in Tiassale and Divo two weeks after the insects appeared, but that chemicals were working to stop the pest. (Reporting by Loucoumane Coulibaly; Editing by Nellie Peyton and Mark Potter)