A.P. tops in cocoa production in India

Andhra Pradesh into a leading producer of cocoa in the country now. The State’s cocoa production stood at 10,903 metric tonnes (MT) during 2020-21 as against the total production of 27,072 MT in the country. Cocoa is being promoted as an intercrop in the State and the awareness about its profitability has been rising among coconut and palm farmers. With improved technology and higher yields, the cross cultivation between coconut, arecanut and other palms has resulted in an increased profitability for farmers and popularity for the programme. Cocoa is grown primarily as an intercrop in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. Coconut, arecanut, oil palm and rubber plantations are suited for an intercrop.