Some farmers have doubled their yield, income, says official
What started with a modest cultivation in 1990s has transformed 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.
Identifying its potential, the State government has been promoting cocoa cultivation in a big way.
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, say officials.