THE Philippines is now the second largest coconut exporting country in the world next to Indonesia according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
During the meeting of President Bongbong Marcos with the Private Sector Advisory Council-Agriculture Sector Group (PSAC-ASG) at the Malacañang Palace, they discussed about the Philippine Coconut Authority or PCA’s target of planting 100 million coconut trees by 2028.
Recommendations for increasing the production of coconuts and other agricultural products in the country were discussed at the meeting.
In line with this, the government sees a good opportunity for the country to become the no. 1 coconut exporter in the world
Meanwhile, PSAC Agricultural Sector Group Member Christopher Po of the Century Pacific Group said that the group recommends to speed up the launch of a large-scale coconut tree planting program.
This, he said, is through increasing the production of seednut.
However, the program could not be implemented due to limited funds, according to Po.
To address the problem, the advisory body has suggested several measures.
This includes developing a roadmap for the PCA to accelerate the coconut plantation program.
It was also tasked to engage in contract farming with local salt producers to boost fertilizer supply.
Malacañang also expressed its full support to the PCA in its effort to plant 100 million coconut trees.
According to PSAC, with a P2.5-billion budget, this will allow the fertilization of 55 million coconut trees and doubling of local salt production.
This can result in a 25 percent increase in nut productivity and additional profit to farmers.
For this year, PCA’s target is to replant 8.5 million coconut seedlings in nearly sixty thousand (59,744) hectares.
For this year, the PCA aims to replant: 8.5 million coconut seedlings in 59,744 hectares
It also intends to fertilize 2.8 million trees in 28,341 hectares.
