Breeders in search of raising supply of chocolates are now employing molecular marker-assisted breeding (MAB) to develop cocoa varieties resistant to destructive diseases.

A technique that helps breeders identify traits found in DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), MAB is making it faster and simpler for cocoa breeders to find varieties that are resistant to phytophtora, a disease present not only in cocoa in the Philippines but also in durian.

"We're finding molecular markers useful in developing disease resistance in Latin America and we're expanding it to other countries (like the Philippines). Molecular markers identify which plant that you bred has the resistance and let you see if the desired trait is in the plant. It enhances plant breeding," said Peter van Grinsven, Mars Inc. field research manager.

There may not be a strain that is totally-resistant to the disease, but loss of 40 percent in standard farming may be brought down to 20 percent given the trait in cocoa. Breeders are also developing resistance against the moniliophtora roser.

Unfortunately, there is dearth in research budget for cocoa.

"Cocoa is an orphan crop. There should be more research in cocoa. There should be more funds to do cutting-edge research because funds are not enough," he said.

Mars is collaborating with the US Department of Agriculture for the research work in the Philippines where bio-control is also now seen as a solution in controlling pests and diseases. Bio-controls use natural predators and antagonistic fungi (fungus that attacks harmful insects) to fight infestation.

Cocoa is a crop that faces so much challenge for increased production. This includes low yields due to poor agronomic practice, pesi and disease problems, ageing farms, and inadequate planting materials.

Other economic issues in cocoa farms are the lack of infrastructure and landuse planning, poor market information systems, absence of crop diversification and land tenure rights, absence of credit systems for small scale farms, and inadequate use of farm inputs.

A concern for consumers of chocolates which can be considered a luxury good is the way economic benefits is shared between big chocolate manufacturers and impoverished cocoa farmers.

"Lack of education opportunities of farmers and threats to human diseases (like malaria and HIV), vulnerable livelihood," are challenges in the sustainable cocoa supply chain, said van Grinsven.

A $ 1 billion business operating in 70 countries, Mars ties up with cocoaproducing countries on improvement of harvest as it needs consistent cocoa supply for its 100 factories worldwide

One production problem that Filipino cocoa growers have been capable of solving is cocoa pod borer (CPB) infestation. Its control is possible through farmers' training on integrated pest management. CPB causes losses of $ 300 million yearly in farms around the world.

Mars wants to help raise cocoa production under an environmentally and socially acceptable means.

"The industry wants a reliable and sustainable supply of quality cocoa from farmers. This can happen if farmers get equitable returns for their efforts. (It should be produced) without damaging the environment, but in a preferably improved ecosystem," he said.

Cocoa gives livelihood to five to six million smallholder farmers and more than 40 million cocoa-dependent families worldwide. It may not be as essential as cereals like rice and wheat, but countries producing cocoa find significance in the crop's gross domestic product and export earnings contribution.

Foreign exchange earnings in African countries are important economic contributors including $ 285 million in Nigeria, $ 945 million in Ghana, $ 2.1 billion in Cote d'Ivoire, and $ 270 million in Cameroon.

The Philippines also needs to raise cocoa yield and expand land area since cocoa bean consumption of 30,000 metric tons (MT) yearly far exceeds cocoa bean supply of just 5,000 to 6,000 MT yearly.