Which cocoa (cacao) variety and spacing suit planting under coconut or arecanut?

Cocoa grows well as a shade loving intercrop under coconut and arecanut in the humid southern states, which is the main way it is cultivated in India. Use improved planting material from research stations, for example the CCRP and other recommended hybrids and clones released for India, rather than random seedlings, as these give better pod yield and quality. Under coconut, a common spacing is roughly one cocoa plant per coconut spacing arrangement, often around 2.5 to 3 metres apart adjusted to the existing palm layout, so you fit cocoa in the shaded space between palms. Cocoa needs steady moisture, so irrigation or good rainfall is important. Source clones or hybrids from a recognised cocoa research centre or your KVK, and confirm the exact recommended planting density for your palm garden before planting.