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.
