Steps on to secure GI tag for Mankuva cocoa

Mankuva cocoa from Idukki has gained global acclaim for its unique quality

Idukki’s Mankuva cocoa, a rare and premium variety of cocoa cultivated along the Chinnar river is now on its way to securing the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Grown exclusively in the Konnathady and Vathikkudy panchayats, this cocoa variety has gained global acclaim for its unique quality and has put this small village on the world map of fine chocolate production.

Commenting on the initiative, Konnathady agriculture officer Biju K.D. said that over 1,000 farmers were engaging in special Mankuva cocoa farming in these panchayats. The Parathode Service Co-operative Bank and NABARD are spearheading the initiative to earn the GI tag for the Mankuva cocoa. “We had submitted a proposal to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) at Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), and the university has approved it,” he said.

Tomy Joseph, a farmer in Mankuva, explained that around 32 years ago, a special variety of cocoa plant was found on the land owned by Vettukunnel Thomas in Mankuva. “Based on his advice I conducted the budding process for the plant to the normal cocoa plant, and it provided high-quality beans. It was the beginning of Mankuva cocoa. The quality of the soil on the riversides is also behind the high quality of the beans. For the past 32 years, I have been engaging in the budding process of Mankuva cocoa,” said Mr. Joseph.

Jomet Joy, a cocoa farmer in Mankuva, said that now they are receiving ₹250 per kg for wet cocoa. “The market price for normal cocoa beans is ₹150, and due to the uniqueness, the cocoa in Mankuva is receiving an additional price. Moreover, Mankuva cocoa boasts an impressive yield efficiency, just 2.5 kg of wet cocoa beans are needed to produce 1 kg of premium dry cocoa. A Thodupuha-based GoGround Beans & Spices mainly purchases the Mankuva cocoa and exports it around the globe,” said Mr. Joy.

Kuriachen Johnson, who runs Rakkaudella Chocolates, said that low husk and high-quality beans are the speciality of Mankuva cocoa. “Our company is also purchasing Mankuva cocoa beans for chocolate making, and the quality of beans can be used to make high-quality chocolates. The cocoa beans from Mankuva are already receiving better markets around the globe. If we get the GI tag, the Mankuva cocoa will reach new heights,” said Mr. Johnson.

C.R. Elsy, former coordinator of IPR at KAU, said that after the project approval, the university will study the uniqueness of Mankuva cocoa and its history, areas of cultivation and specialities. Based on the study, the university will apply to the Central government for GI tag status.