Cocoa is also called “cacao” (derives from the Spanish word cacao) and this is mainly grown for its bean from which cocoa solids and cocoa butter are extracted. Cocoa beans are mainly used in the production of chocolate, cocoa powder, and cocoa butter whereas cocoa butter is also used in the cosmetic industry. Cocoa is an important commercial bean crop from the humid tropics. In India, this crop is grown as a mixed crop in suitable regions. Kerala state of south India tops the production of cocoa beans in the Indian continent. Ivory Coast is a top producer of cocoa beans in the world. Usually, cocoa is grown as a mixed crop in areca nut, coconut, and oil palm gardens. The cocoa bean plant is native to the Amazon basin and tropical regions of South America and Central America. Commercial cultivation of cocoa beans is very much successful due to its demand in local and international markets. One can expect decent profits in cocoa bean farming with proper orchard management practices. The botanical name or scientific name of the cocoa tree is “Theobroma cacao. L.”. Cocoa tree belongs to the genus of” Theobroma”. In India, the cocoa plantation is usually seen in the state of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Cocoa beans are cultivated to smaller extents in some states only when compared to other countries.
