India aims to become self-reliant in cocoa
production by 2040
¨
India has set an
ambitious goal to achieve self-sufficiency in cocoa production by 2040 under a
comprehensive roadmap aimed at strengthening domestic output and reducing
import dependence.
¨ With cocoa imports
exceeding $866 million annually and demand steadily rising, the strategy seeks
to transform India into a globally competitive cocoa economy aligned with the
vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
|
¨ Cocoa
is a key raw material for chocolate and related products. ¨ India
currently meets less than 20% of its cocoa demand domestically. ¨ Aatmanirbhar
Bharat aims to reduce import dependence across sectors. ¨
Traceability systems help track
agricultural produce from farm to market. |
National Mission and early-stage reforms
¨
The roadmap proposes the
launch of a National Mission on Cocoa during the initial phase from 2026 to
2028.
¨
This phase will focus on
establishing a Centre of Excellence (CoE) and developing around 250 hectares of
polyclonal seed gardens across key cocoa-growing regions.
¨
The aim is to build a
strong foundation for improving productivity and ensuring quality planting
material.
Capacity building and farmer support
¨ Between 2028 and 2030,
the focus will shift towards capacity building and farmer empowerment. The plan
includes training nearly one lakh farmers and setting up regional CoE hubs.
¨ It also recommends
distributing around 25 million seedlings and introducing a digital farmer
registry along with traceability systems to enhance transparency and efficiency
in the cocoa value chain.
Scaling production and processing
¨
The third phase, from
2030 to 2035, targets expansion of cocoa cultivation to one lakh hectares and
significant improvements in yield.
¨ During this period,
research and development efforts will be intensified, and cocoa processing
infrastructure will be promoted.
¨ The goal is for India to
meet at least 50 per cent of its domestic cocoa demand through local
production.
