Cacao Production Guide

The Philippines is steadily making its mark in the global cacao industry. With ideal soil conditions, a favorable climate, and increasing global demand for sustainable cocoa products, the country is well-positioned to become a key supplier of fine-flavor cacao beans. As the international supply chain remains unstable due to geopolitical issues in top-producing countries, cacao farming in the Philippines presents both a timely opportunity and a long-term investment for agripreneurs.

Cacao Market Overview: High Demand, Low Local Supply

Despite local farmers ramping up efforts, the Philippines still lags in meeting domestic consumption. In 2005, local cacao bean production was around 5,000 metric tons, while consumption reached nearly 50,000 metric tons—a massive shortfall that persists today. As more consumers prioritize ethically sourced and organic chocolate, cacao production in the Philippines is gaining traction both locally and internationally.

Best Cacao Varieties for Farming in the Philippines

Choosing the right cacao tree varieties is essential for maximizing yield and resisting common pests and diseases. The National Seed Industry Council (NSIC) has approved the following clones for commercial planting:

1. BR25 (CC-99-05)

• Young pods are red-green, maturing into yellow.
• Pod shape: Amelonado.
• Begins flowering at 16 months; fruiting follows at 17.7 months.
• Contains 27 violet beans per pod.
• Moderate resistance to pests and diseases.

2. ICS 40

• Features an elongated Cundeamor pod with a sharp point.
• Flowers at 17.6 months; fruits at 19.6 months.
• Produces 44 striped beans per pod.
• Moderate pest resistance.

3. UIT 1 (CC-99-02)

• Cundeamor-shaped pod; begins flowering at 16.8 months.
• Yields 46 violet beans per pod.
• Canopy diameter: 278 cm.
• Moderately pest-resistant.

4. K1

• Amelonado pod with smooth surface.
• Flowers at 23.2 months; fruits at 25.1 months.
• Contains 100 violet beans weighing ~182g.
• Moderate pest and disease resistance.

5. K2

• Red pod turns yellow-orange when ripe.
• Flowers at 21.1 months; fruits at 24.1 months.
• Produces 34 beans per pod.
• Moderate pest resistance.

These high-yield cacao varieties are ideal for both lowland and upland conditions typical in regions like Davao, Northern Mindanao, and parts of Luzon and Visayas.

How to Grow Cacao: Seedling Propagation and Nursery Management

A strong start begins with healthy seedlings. Follow these techniques for effective cacao seed propagation and nursery establishment.

Seed Propagation

• Use only seeds from ripe, disease-free pods.
• Discard irregular or swollen seeds.
• De-mucilage and treat seeds with fungicide before sowing.
• Sow pre-germinated seeds 1 cm deep with the root pointed down.

Soil and Polybag Medium

• Use sterilized loamy or sandy loam soil.
• Improve soil with composted organic matter.
• Use 8” x 10” polybags filled to 2–3 cm from the top.

Nursery Guidelines

• Shaded area (70–80% for 0–2 months; gradual reduction thereafter).
• Access to clean water, good drainage, and proximity to roads.
• Seedlings should be spaced 25–30 cm apart after 2 months.

Maintenance

• Regular hand weeding or mulching.
• Apply 15–35g of 18-48-0 fertilizer when leaves harden.
• Cull underperforming seedlings.
• Harden seedlings before transplanting.

Vegetative Propagation Methods

Vegetative propagation ensures true-to-type plants, early fruiting, and uniformity.

• Patch Budding: Uses NSIC clones.
• Nodal Grafting: Grafts node cuttings to seedling stems.
• Cleft Grafting: Similar to mango grafting; involves clean horizontal cuts and plastic wrapping.

Grafting Tips

• Use healthy, freshly collected scion wood.
• Maintain hygiene and avoid grafting in extreme weather.
• Shade and water management are essential.

Success tips: Always use sanitized tools, fresh scion wood, and avoid extreme weather during grafting.

Soil and Climate Requirements for Cacao Farming

Farm Establishment

Soil Requirements

• Ideal soil: sandy loam with 30–40% clay.
• Soil depth: at least 150 cm.
• Preferred pH: 5.0–6.5.

Climatic Conditions

• Rainfall: 1,250–3,000 mm annually.
• Temperature: 18°C (min) to 32°C (max).
• Best elevation: 300–1,200 masl.

These conditions are common in the southern and central Philippines, especially in cacao hubs like Davao and Zamboanga.

Shade Crops for Sustainable Cacao Farming

Cacao trees are shade-loving, especially in their early stages.

Recommended Permanent Shade Trees

• Coconut (niyog)
• Durian, mango, cashew, jackfruit
• Madre de cacao (also supports pepper vines)

Temporary Shade Crops

• Maize, cassava, ginger, papaya, abaca

Using appropriate shade trees improves cocoa tree care, supports intercropping, and increases farm sustainability.

Planting and Spacing Techniques for Maximum Yield

To establish an efficient cocoa plantation, use correct spacing and planting protocols:

• High-Density Planting: 1.5 x 6.0 m = 2,300 trees/ha
• Moderate Density: 2.5 x 2.5 m = 1,600 trees/ha

Pro tips:

• Plant during rainy season.
• Use holes of 30 x 30 x 30 cm, separating topsoil and subsoil.
• Avoid planting during dry spells unless irrigation is available.

Cacao Tree Maintenance: Fertilization, Pruning, and Weeding

Regular care improves yield and tree longevity.

Fertilization Schedule (per tree)

Pruning Cacao Trees

• Shape trees like a champagne glass.
• Remove dead, diseased, or low-hanging branches.
• Best time: After peak harvest, before rainy season.

Manual Weeding

Use ring weeding (1m radius) and mulch to control grass growth.

Rehabilitating Old Cacao Trees Using Side Grafting

Side grafting rejuvenates low-yielding cacao trees:

1. Select high-quality scions.
2. Create graft windows in trunk.
3. Attach scions, cover with plastic for 30 days.
4. Cut old trunk after graft takes.
5. Apply organic fertilizer to promote new growth.

Cacao Pest and Disease Management: Integrated Strategies for Healthy Cocoa Trees

Common Pests in the Philippines

• Cacao Pod Borer: Weekly harvest, sanitation, and pod sleeving.
• Helopeltis Bug: Prune carefully to manage canopy.
• Stem Borers: Cut infected branches; use wire or soap to remove larvae.

Major Diseases and Organic Control Methods

• Vascular Streak Dieback: Prune and burn infected branches.
• Black Pod Rot: Improve drainage and prune shade trees.
• Canker: Scrape bark and apply protective paste.

Natural predators like red weaver ants and pirate bugs help manage pest populations biologically.

Post-Harvest Practices: From Pod to Premium Bean

Harvesting Cocoa Pods

• Use sharp tools to avoid damaging flower cushions.
• Only harvest fully ripe pods.

Fermentation Process of Cocoa Beans

• Use wooden boxes or baskets lined with banana leaves.
• Turn beans on days 2 and 4.
• Complete fermentation in 5–6 days.

Sun-Drying Cocoa Beans

• Dry beans under full sun, turning regularly.
• Avoid smoke drying methods.
• Remove germinated, flat, or damaged beans.

Bean Storage and Quality Control

• Store in well-ventilated, moisture-free areas on wooden pallets.
• Record weights and dates for all processing stages.

Conclusion: The Future of Cacao Farming in the Philippines

With the growing demand for ethically sourced cocoa, the Philippines is on the path to becoming a major cacao exporter in Asia. By using best practices in varietal selection, farm setup, pest management, and post-harvest handling, Filipino cacao farmers can elevate their yields and income while contributing to global chocolate supply chains.