recession in chocolate industry Careers Raedy

Important in the manufacturing process of chocolate increase in price of cocoa beans Due to this the chocolate industry is facing big problems.

Its price in April $12,000 per ton Reached, which is four times more than last year.
Cocoa beans are processed to make chocolate, but production has decreased as the beans have become expensive.

Origin and Distribution: Cocoa is a small plant which is originally American tropical regions They are found in India, but are now being cultivated in tropical regions around the world.
The dried and fully fermented fatty seeds of the cocoa plant are used in the manufacture of chocolate.
Primary Producers: Leading countries in cocoa production globally Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Brazil Is included.

Production of cocoa 300 meters above sea level It can easily reach a height of .
Produce: its origin Amazon forests In the form of plants growing under trees.
Cocoa Cultivation: It is cultivated under the shade of forest trees or along with other crops (a process known as intercropping).
annual rainfall: It receives a minimum of 90-100 mm per month. Rainfall requires 1,500–2,000 mm of annual rainfall.
- A temperate climate with evenly distributed rainfall is required and irrigation may be required during prolonged dry seasons.

It is one of the primary diseases affecting cocoa.
it Phytophthora palmivora It is caused by a fungus called (Phytophthora Palmivora).

This disease usually monsoon season Happens in.
color of infected beans light brown Due to which the quality of cocoa beans deteriorates.
Measures for prevention: To prevent black pod disease in cocoa, spraying with 1% Bordeaux mixture is done along with phytosanitation and prophylactic drug.

Ideal Temperature: Ideal temperature for its production 15°-39°C In which 25°C temperature is considered important.
Favorable Soil: In most cocoa growing areas clay loam and sandy loam soil Is available.
Shade Requirements: For cocoa cultivation on a commercial scale, approximately 50% sunlight required it occurs.

Cocoa is mainly grown in India Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu It is grown in India and is usually produced as a secondary crop along with areca nut and coconut.
favorable environment
- Cocoa cultivation especially in India coconut and betel nut orchards It is easily done.
- This environment provides optimum conditions for cocoa production.
access to sunlight
- in the betel nut garden 30-50% sunlight Only reaches the ground.
- Cocoa plants benefit from this specific amount of sunlight, which aids their growth and production.

climate factors
- El Nino Influence: The immediate cause of the current problem lies in the West African countries. Ghana and Ivory Coast There is bad weather in the world from where 60% cocoa beans is exported.
- El Nino caused excess rainfall in West African cocoa growing areas, leading to Black Pod Disease. has spread, resulting in reduced crop yields.
- International Cocoa Organization Shortage of approximately 3,74,000 tonnes of cocoa beans in the year 2023-2024 While last year there was a deficit of 74,000 tonnes.
- Climate change: Rising temperatures are causing heat waves, drought and irregular rainfall, making cocoa plants more vulnerable to diseases and environmental events, resulting in yield losses.

Economic challenges for farmers
- Low income of farmers: The income of farmers associated with cocoa production in West Africa is very low, farmers in general Earning less than $1.25 per day As a result, this situation hinders their ability to invest in farms and improve productivity.
  - It is determined by the United Nations Poverty line of $2.15 per day is much less than.
  - As a result, slavery and child labor are widely used in cocoa farming areas and farmers are forced to sell their land to illegal gold miners.
- Poverty Cycle: The poverty cycle of cocoa farmers is a significant cause of their exploitation, which hinders them from adopting modern agricultural practices or adapting to climate change.
  - According to the report for the year 2023 released by Oxfam, About 90% of farmers in Ghana Unable to afford basic needs like food, clothing, shelter and medical care.
  - A survey was conducted among 400 farmers across the country, the results of which are worrying. Since the year 2020, these farmers 16% decrease in average income While the income of women farmers has seen a decline of about 22%.
  - since the pandemic Financial condition of nine out of ten farmers is bad It is reported to happen.

industry practices
- Lack of Fair Compensation: Major chocolate companies prioritize lowering consumer prices, which is why they make minimal investments in improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers.
  - Sustainable Farming Challenges: With low incomes and limited resources, cocoa farmers struggle to adopt sustainable farming practices or invest more in the face of climate change.
- Exploitative Practices: Despite substantial profits, chocolate companies have not adequately addressed the plight of cocoa farmers, resulting in their continued exploitation and poverty.
  - Potential Increase: Unless substantial changes are made to the way the industry operates, cocoa pricing is expected to remain a problem. This could increase exploitation of farmers and potentially increase chocolate prices.

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