COCOA LIFE
Cocoa Made Right: India
60 years of India Cocoa Program
Our Commitment since 1965 Cocoa isn’t just an ingredient; it’s the soul of every chocolate lover’s story and a lifeline for the communities that cultivate it. From lush farms to treasured moments shared over a chocolate bar, cocoa’s journey is one of passion, resilience and a sense of purpose. At Cocoa Life, we are committed to make sure every chapter of this story is crafted with care and integrity.
MAKING COCOA Right
Cocoa Life aims to transform lives and landscapes by addressing varied challenges faced by farmers and communities such as climate change, improving farming knowledge and skills, promoting gender equality and empowering communities.
Pillars of COCOA LIFE
A dedication to a sustainable, equitable future for farmers, communities, and the environment, Cocoa Life is more than just a program. The program is built on 3 pillars-
Sustainable Cocoa Farming
Building Financial Resilience Integrating innovation with principles of sustainability, we enable Cocoa Life certified farmers to build businesses that support their livelihood and encourage growth for everyone in the ecosystem. The objective of Cocoa Life is to build a sustainable ecosystem for the farmers, communities and the planet.
Sustainable Cocoa Farming
Expanding Cocoa Roots
Through 7 nurseries spread across 4 states, Mondelez India has distributed over 12,042,000 cocoa seedlings at subsidized rates, equipping Cocoa Life certified farmers with resources to boost productivity and establish sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, specialized programs have been introduced to integrate tribal farmers into the rural economy, enabling them to adopt cocoa cultivation as a valuable additional income stream.
Collaborating with Experts
Mondelez India has partnered and works closely with Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, and Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) to support specialized studies and promote cocoa farming best practices. These partnerships enable Cocoa Life certified farmers in southern India to adopt advanced techniques, improve yields, and embrace sustainable farming methods.
Empowering Farmers with Technology
Over 10,000 farmers have been trained through customized farm development plans. The Cocoa Digi-App serves as a vital tool, offering real-time insights on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), weather updates, and easy communication access.
Drip Irrigation Systems
Advanced drip irrigation systems have been introduced to improve water efficiency in coconut and oil palm gardens. By precisely delivering water to the roots, these systems minimize water waste, conserve resources, and significantly enhance agricultural productivity.
Empowering Cocoa Communities
Empowering Generations with Knowledge Planting the seed of opportunity, empowerment, wellness and education for women, children and families across the cocoa-growing regions in India.
Supporting Farmers Through Education
Our farmer training programs combined with TV series and hands-on training sessions; help increase crop production in a more sustainable manner.
Empowering Women and Children
Over 5,000 community members have gained financial literacy skills, opening pathways to greater independence and stability. Additionally, 300 individuals have joined gender awareness programs, while 22 communities now host child protection committees to ensure a brighter and safer future for children.
Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure
Community Development Committees (CODEC) and Community Action Plans are driving lasting changes. Select Primary Health Centers (PHCs) now feature improved sanitation, upgraded equipment, and better facilities, ensuring healthier outcomes for cocoa-growing communities.
Expanding Program Reach
The Cocoa Life program has reached 64 cocoa-growing communities, bringing better water infrastructure, school renovations, and impactful development projects to improve lives and create opportunities.
Protecting and Restoring Forests
Safeguarding Cocoa’s Legacy Cocoa Life is committed to the conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems to ensure the sustainability of the planet and improved livelihoods of cocoa-growing communities for generations to come. Agroforestry techniques have been introduced to enhance biodiversity, weaving a symphony of balance between cocoa cultivation and forest ecosystems.
Protecting and Restoring Forests
Promoting GAP (Good Agricultural Practices)
By the end of 2022, GAP initiatives had successfully engaged 20,000 farmers by helping them adopt practices that balance productivity with environmental preservation. As part of the initiative, 70,000 saplings have been distributed across 4 cocoa-growing states, improving biodiversity and creating healthier farming landscapes.
Integrating Agroforestry
In Lakshmipuram village in Andhra Pradesh, our agroforestry initiative kicked off with 40 farmers and experts, all joining forces to breathe a new life into the cocoa-growing regions. The program brings together the MDLZ team and local communities to maximize the effectiveness of agroforestry initiatives.
Rehabilitating Forest Landscapes
Over 11,000 farms have been registered and mapped under improved environmental management. These efforts focus on restoring degraded forests, planting indigenous species, and conserving critical water resources for a balanced ecosystem.
Empowering local farmers
Preparing selected farmers with training and tools to implement agroforestry practices, cultivating crops, sustainable futures and environmental balance.
