Why Cacao?
Cacao is a cash crop that can provide a good income. It is a perennial crop with a relatively short gestation period. Demand for cacao is growing and a market is readily available. Cacao can be intercropped with other cash crops, especially coconut trees.
How much can I earn?
Following Kennemer’s planting protocol and given a planting density of 800 trees per hectare, at maturity, you can earn as much as P150,000 net of inputs.
Which areas are suitable for cacao?
Cacao is best grown in areas with the following conditions:
- Type IV climate which has an evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year, with dry season of not more than 3 months.
- Altitude of the area should lie between 300 – 900 meters above sea level.
- Areas with existing shade, ideally coconut
What are the ideal climate conditions for cacao?
Temperature
Cocoa plants respond well to relatively high temperatures, with a maximum annual average of 30 – 32ºC and a minimum average of 18 – 21ºC.
Rainfall
Rainfall should be plentiful and well distributed through the year. An annual rainfall level of between 1,500mm and 2,000mm is generally preferred. Dry spells, where rainfall is less than 100mm per month, should not exceed three months.
Humidity
A hot and humid atmosphere is essential for the optimum development of cocoa trees. In cocoa producing countries, relative humidity is generally high: often as much as 100% during the day, falling to 70-80% during the night.
Source: International Cocoa Organization
How long is the life of a cacao tree?
A tree lives normally for 25-40 years.
How many cacao trees can I plant in 1 hectare?
Depending on the shade from existing trees and tree crops, and soil fertility, the planting density of cacao varies from 400 – 1100 plants per hectare. Intercropping with coconut has an average planting density of 600-800 trees per hectare.
How long before a cacao tree bears fruit?
Given good planting material, proper supervision, application of inputs, and farmer training, a cacao tree can start flowering after 12 months. You can expect a small harvest in as early as 18 months, a larger harvest at 24 months and full production at 60 months.
How will Kennemer help me achieve the expected yield?
The Kennemer agri-technicians and cacao doctors will train and supervise you in every stage of the cacao production process to ensure you are following the proper planting protocol. Given that you undergo training and follow proper protocol, under normal circumstances you should be able to achieve the expected yield.
How much capital is needed for planting?
Assuming a planting density of 800 trees/ha, planting 1 hectare of cacao is estimated to require a capital outlay of around P72,000 over the first two years. This includes the cost of planting material, inputs and labor for land preparation.
How can I access financing for capital?
Kennemer will help facilitate access to financing if you become part of the contract growership program. Kindly contact us.
Who will buy the cacao that I harvest?
Kennemer offers a guaranteed buy-back of the entire harvest at a price linked to the world price of cacao.