Which of the following countries are well known as the two largest cocoa producers in the world? [2024]

Which of the following countries are well known as the two largest cocoa producers in the world?

Cocoa is an important plantation crop grown for chocolate around the world. Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana are by far the two largest cocoa-growing countries, accounting for around 50 % of global cocoa production, followed by Ecuador with 9 %. In Asia, Indonesia is the largest producer country.

Cocoa Crop – Key Information:
- It is a small (4–8 m tall) perennial tree crop that primarily comes from three tropical regions—Southeast Asia, Latin America, and West Africa.
- It does not like too much sunlight and grows in the shade of other important crops such as plantain, cassava and rubber.
- In India, it is mainly cultivated in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu mainly as intercrop with Arecanut and Coconut.
  - Andhra Pradesh is the biggest cocoa producer in India,
- Cocoa can be grown up to 300 m above mean sea level. It requires a minimum of 90-100 mm rainfall per month with an annual rainfall of 1500-2000 mm.
- The plants need an equitable climate with well-distributed rainfall. If dry periods are prolonged, irrigation scheduling is necessary. The temperature range of 15°-39°C, with an optimum of 25°C, is considered ideal.