The Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Cooperative (Campco) has begun procuring cocoa in Andhra Pradesh. It has already established a center in Elur in West Godavari area for the purpose.
According to Suresh Bhandari MD of Campco , some areas in AP grow cocoa and therefore the Campco has started its procurement operations in the state. Sources say the cooperative would soon begin procuring cocoa in East Godavari area as well. The Campco intends using PACS in its procurement operations, sources claim.
Cocoa is needed for the Campco chocolate producing unit at Putter in Karnataka. Presently, Karnataka and Kerala meet the Campco’s cocoa requirements. AP is soon likely to contribute its share to the plant.
India boasts a production of about 12 thousand tonnes of cocoa per year.