You can earn lakhs with coco farming | know all details

hello Friends, today we are going to discuss a business that is always in demand in the market. We’re talking about chocolate cultivation. As you know, chocolate is a favorite sweet for everyone, from children to adults. Therefore, today we will provide you with detailed information about chocolate cultivation. India has a rich history of farming, and the government also implements various schemes for farmers to support them economically. If you want to cultivate chocolate, it can be a very profitable business for you. Let’s explore how chocolate cultivation is done and how much profit you can make from it.

How is Chocolate Cultivated?

Cocoa (chocolate) cultivation is a specialized type of farming done in warm and humid climates. In India, it is grown in southern states like Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Here’s some information about cocoa cultivation:

Fermentation and Processing of Cocoa Beans:

Cocoa beans are extracted from the pods and fermented for 8-10 days. After that, they are dried in the sun for four days.
Beans are placed in an airtight box for fermentation, where heat is generated, and the fermentation process takes place.
After fermentation, the beans change color and are ready for use in chocolate, bakery products, and other sweets.

Climate and Soil:

Cocoa trees require a tropical climate with temperatures between 21°C and 32°C, 1000-3000 mm of rainfall, and 50% humidity.
Well-drained loamy or red soil with a pH between 5.0-6.5 is suitable. The soil should be 6-7 inches deep, loose, and free from waterlogging, like in the southern regions of India.

Popular hybrid varieties in India include CRD 123 and 58, known for high quality and good production.

Plant Selection and Planting:

To cultivate chocolate, you need to plant cocoa trees as chocolate is made from cocoa. First, prepare the soil well by plowing it one or two times. After plowing, mix 200-250 quintals of well-rotted cow dung per acre into the soil using a cultivator. This improves soil fertility and provides essential nutrients to the plants.
Cocoa plants can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or grafting. After soil preparation, level the soil and prepare pits for planting cocoa plants. Ensure that the plants are spaced 2-4 meters apart to allow for proper growth. Proper spacing results in better development and production.
For planting, dig pits and place the plants. Each pit should contain 10-15 kg of cow dung.
Use ripe cocoa pods to extract seeds for planting. Dry seeds are less effective, so use ripe pods. Planting with cuttings is better as it grows faster and yields fruit sooner.

Crop Care:

 Cocoa plants prefer shade, so plant taller crops like banana, coconut, betel nut, or papaya alongside to provide shade.
Water the plants regularly, especially during the early years and during dry periods.

Fertilizers and Manure:

Organic manures like compost and vermicompost are beneficial. In Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) models, Jeevamrit is used. To prepare Jeevamrit, mix 200 liters of water, 20 kg of cow dung, 10 liters of cow urine, 2 kg of jaggery, and 2 kg of chickpea flour, and let it ferment for 5-7 days. It is then applied to the plants via a Venturi system.

Pest and Disease Management:

Organic methods are used for managing pests and diseases. Neem oil, cow urine, and herbal sprays can be utilized.

Harvesting:

Cocoa trees start bearing fruit in 3-4 years. Pods are harvested when ripe. After harvesting, beans are extracted, dried, and fermented to enhance their flavor.

Other Crops:

Along with cocoa, you can also grow crops like avocado, vanilla, betel nut, cardamom, and banana. These crops support each other’s growth. Cocoa plants grow well in shade.

Irrigation and Water Management:

Drip irrigation is beneficial in cocoa cultivation as it conserves water and provides necessary moisture to the plants.

This type of farming uses natural methods and local resources to make it organic and sustainable. Adopting the ZBNF model reduces farming costs and improves crop quality.

Cost and Earnings:

The initial cost for chocolate cultivation is approximately ₹30,000 to ₹35,000, mainly for plowing, manure, and plant purchase. With 1 to 2 acres of cocoa cultivation, you can earn a profit of ₹70,000 to ₹80,000. Each tree yields 300 to 400 kg of cocoa beans per year. There is a significant increase in profit.

International cocoa prices range from ₹160 per kg from July to October and ₹200 to ₹210 per kg from February to June.

You can plant 200 to 250 plants on one or two acres of land. The cocoa obtained from these plants is used to make chocolate, which is in high demand in the market. Thus, chocolate cultivation can be an attractive business and offer substantial profits.

With the right information and a bit of effort, you can become a successful entrepreneur in chocolate cultivation and secure a prosperous future.