ABIDJAN, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The heatwave in Cote d'Ivoire is harming the cocoa sector, causing a production decline.
"The severity of the heat had a considerable effect on our products. The cocoa sector was particularly affected by this historic heatwave, which significantly reduced yields," said Ehora Yao, president of the collective of agricultural production cooperatives of Indenie-Djuablin, a region located in the east of the country.
As this region is one of the large cocoa production areas of Cote d'Ivoire, this situation has caused production to drop from more than 95,000 tonnes in previous years to 70,000 tonnes this year, he added.
"This year, producers are facing the El Nino phenomenon with warming temperatures. This has reduced cocoa production and many producers nationally have lost their production," added the forestry expert Jean-Paul Aka.
Cote d'Ivoire, the world's top cocoa producer, has been battling prolonged heatwaves triggered by the El Nino climate pattern for several months.
In March, the country recorded a record temperature of 39 degrees Celcius.
The Airport, Aeronautical, and Meteorological Operation and Development Company attributes the intensifying heatwaves across Cote d'Ivoire to "high solar radiation and the early onset of humid winds." ■
'Constantly learning' Imanaga off to impressive start with the Chicago Cubs
Khloe Kardashian shares sweet photo of 'mini
Man City vs Man United FA Cup final time confirmed
Colleges seek to balance safety and students' right to protest Gaza war
Ohio judge to rule Monday on whether the state’s abortion ban stands
Election 2024: Republican candidates vying for Indiana governor to take debate stage
Bayer CEO optimistic about expanding Chinese market
Christina Aguilera, 43, looks very slim in a T
Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Maryland ban on rifles known as assault weapons
Meg Bennett dead at 75 following cancer battle: Emmy