Cocoa farmers in Andhra Pradesh have urged the government to announce a clear price policy for cocoa beans that links prices to international market rates. This demand was made in a memorandum submitted to the Cocoa Board of India (CMO) by leaders of the Andhra Pradesh Cocoa Farmers’ Association on Friday. The group, including State honorary president Bollu Ramakrishna and State president K. Srinivas, said companies suppress local prices by working in syndicates. This denies farmers fair payment matching global prices. Only 20% of India’s cocoa needs are produced domestically; 80% is imported. With low import duties, foreign cocoa products are sold cheaply, hurting local farmers. The association asked the State government to create a pricing formula like the one for palm oil. This would help domestic farmers benefit from global price trends. They also urged the Central government to raise import duties and set up a cocoa board and research centre to support farmers. Farmers lost ₹500 crore last year due to below-market payments. Government incentives of ₹50 per kg helped raise prices to ₹500 per kg, reducing losses somewhat. This season, international prices are above ₹550 per kg, but companies initially offered only ₹350 per kg. After protests, the price was increased to ₹400 per kg. Andhra Pradesh is India's leading cocoa producer. Farmers say strong government support is key to their welfare.