INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
55% of the average seasonal yield, a significant decline reflecting severe challenges in the sector.Adverse weather, swollen shoot disease,
and illegal gold mining have critically impacted production.Swollen shoot disease has devastated approximately 500,000 hectares of cocoa
Illegal mining, known as galamsey, has exacerbated land degradation and diverted labor from cocoa farming.Ghana and Ivory Coast, the top
(Photo Internet reproduction)This has driven global cocoa prices to record highs
diseased farms and working with security to curb smuggling
However, these measures have not yet ensured long-term recovery.Critics argue that the government needs to enhance transparency and innovate
The current crisis demands significant reforms and increased farmer support.Without these changes, the livelihoods of millions dependent on
