📚 Learning Objectives
- Understand cocoa plant requirements and climate
- Master cocoa plantation establishment
- Learn pod harvesting and fermentation
- Implement proper drying techniques
- Manage cocoa plant diseases
- Build profitable cocoa enterprise
📹 Educational Videos
Cocoa Farming Basics
Cocoa Planting
Pod Harvesting
Fermentation & Drying
Cocoa Quality & Grading
📊 Cocoa Production Timeline
| Stage | Time Required | Activity | Yield per Tree |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planting | Year 1 | Establish seedlings | 0 |
| Growth | Year 2-3 | Pruning and training | 100-200 pods |
| Production | Year 4+ | Full harvest cycle | 400-600 pods |
| Peak Yield | Year 6-25 | Maximum production | 500-800 pods |
| Maintenance | Ongoing | Disease control | Sustained yield |
🛠️ Implementation Steps
- Site Selection: Choose humid, tropical location
- Soil Preparation: Test soil and add amendments
- Plant Seedlings: Space 3m apart, 500-600 trees/hectare
- Establish Shade: Plant banana or coconut trees
- Maintenance: Prune annually, manage weeds
- Harvest Management: Pick ripe pods, ferment and dry
🎓 Knowledge Check - Module 5
Q1: When does cocoa start producing pods?
Q2: Ideal spacing between cocoa trees?
Q3: Peak cocoa yield per tree annually?
🏆 Capstone Project: Start Cocoa Farm
Phase 1: Study cocoa farming in your region
Phase 2: Prepare 1 hectare land
Phase 3: Source 600 quality seedlings
Phase 4: Plant cocoa with shade trees
Phase 5: Establish care schedule (year 1-3)
Phase 6: Begin harvesting (year 3+)
Phase 7: Ferment and dry cocoa
Phase 8: Market fermented beans