Ivory Coast cocoa rains ease, concern remains

ABIDJAN (Reuters) - Rains eased in some of Ivory Coast's main cocoa growing regions last week, reversing a recent trend which has encouraged the spread of disease and damaged bean quality, farmers said on Monday.

In the centre-western region of Daloa, which produces a quarter of national output in the world's biggest grower, farmers reported two light rains which they said would be good for the growth of small pods.

"A lot of small pods are growing nicely, and will be harvested towards mid-August," said farmer Magloire Gnankan.

In the western region of Soubre, at the heart of the cocoa belt, farmers said rains eased up, but they were still concerned about cloudy weather and low levels of sunshine, both of which have contributed to the spread of disease.

"We are worried ... the weather favours black pod disease because the moisture doesn't evaporate very quickly," said Salem Kone, who farms near Soubre.

In the western region of Gagnoa, farmers said several small pods had turned black as a result of high humidity during June and July, while in the eastern region of Abengourou, farmers said more spells of sunshine would be welcome.