Cocoa

Cocoa

Context: The prices of Cocoa beans, which are he raw material of chocolates has sky rooted.

About:

• Cocoa (Theobroma cacao):
o Cocoa is a commercial plantation crop used as a raw material in chocolates and other confectionery products.
o It is a humid tropical crop native to the Amazon  region of South America.
• Varieties:
o Cocoa is classified into different varieties, including Criollo, Forastero, and Trinitario, each with distinct characteristics and uses.
• Suitable Conditions for Cultivation:
o Cocoa is a perennial crop predominantly grown on red laterite soils.
o It thrives at altitudes of up to 1200 meters above mean sea level.
o Ideal annual rainfall ranges from 1000 mm to 2000 mm.
o Temperature conditions for cocoa cultivation range between 15°C to 35°C.
• Cultivation in India:
o Cocoa cultivation in India is primarily concentrated in states like Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
o These regions provide suitable climatic conditions for cocoa cultivation, making India a notable producer of cocoa beans.
• Export Destinations:
o India exports cocoa beans to various countries including the United States of America (USA), Indonesia, Nepal, and others.
o These exports contribute to India\'s role in the global cocoa market, meeting the demand for cocoa beans in chocolate and confectionery industries worldwide.