CPCRI to assess performance of cocoa seedlings from seeds, cuttings and grafts

The director of the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CPCRI), Kasaragod, Keralam, K. Balachandra Hebbar, said on Monday that the institute would evaluate the performance of cocoa seedlings raised from seeds, stem cuttings and grafted material on its farm.

Speaking at a workshop on ‘Self-reliant cocoa sector: A roadmap for 2047’ organised by ICAR-CPCRI at its Regional Station in Vitla, Mr. Hebbar said that although vast cultivable areas are available for cocoa cultivation, there is a need to make quality planting material available to farmers.

P. Chowdappa, former director of CPCRI, said India’s per capita cocoa consumption stands at around 1 kg, compared to 11.56 kg in Switzerland, 9.2 kg in the United States, 5.4 kg in Germany and 3 kg in the United Kingdom. Several major cocoa-growing regions in the world were affected by diseases a few years ago, disrupting the global cocoa supply chain, he said.

The former director said around 40% of India’s cocoa production is concentrated in Andhra Pradesh. The State government is also focusing on expanding the area under cocoa cultivation and has initiated a plan to develop a ‘cocoa city’ in Eluru district.

N.K. Krishna Kumar, former Deputy Director General (Horticultural Science), ICAR, said cocoa grown in the East and West Godavari regions of Andhra Pradesh is comparable to that grown in Sudan, which enjoys a good market in Europe.

Given the unstable supply chain in Africa, it is time for India to invest in cocoa cultivation to meet both domestic and international demand, he said.

V.B. Patel, Assistant Director General (Plantation Crops), ICAR, who attended the session virtually, suggested that CPCRI prepare a manual on good nursery practices for cocoa cultivation.

Femina, director of the Directorate of Cashewnut and Cocoa Development, who made a virtual presentation, said there is a need to systematically map regions suitable for cocoa cultivation.

M. Prabhakar, director of ICAR-ATARI (Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute), Bengaluru, said Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) can play a vital role in expanding the area under cocoa cultivation.