In Photo: The Tacunan Dwarf, downloaded from the Facebook page of Gory Paron.
COIR Program To Boost Cotabato Coconut Production For Growing World Market Demand Valued At P3-T By 2033!
With Coconut products enjoying a resurgence in the world market resulting in high prices of Copra, I have designed a program called the Coconut Industry Rehabilitation (COIR) Program which will help Coconut farmers of North Cotabato.
This is one of the immediate interventions for North Cotabato’s Agriculture sector which will be implemented if by God’s grace, I will be back as Governor of the province.
The program involves the following components:
- Digital mapping of all coconut farms in the province;
- Soil Analysis of areas with existing Coconut farms;
- Fertilizer Support for existing Coconut farms to boost fruiting and increase production;
- Distribution of seeds of Coconut varieties which are high-yielding and early maturing;
- Modern and sanitary Copra Drying Facilities;
- Establishment of processing facilities for added value.
Alongside the COIR Program, Coconut farmers of North Cotabato will also be given options on the secondary farming activities they would like to have in their farms.
The options could include Cacao and Coffeee intercropping, Small Ruminants like Goats and Free-Range Chicken Farming.
I designed the COIR after confirming through review and monitoring of World Market Trends for Coconut products.
The resurgence in the interest for Coconut products is attributed to “Increased awareness about the benefits of coconuts coupled with the growing demand for coconut-based products in major developed countries” which is “expected to result in rising demand for coconut products across the globe, offering key manufacturers and food processing companies an opportunity to expand their product portfolio and enhance their consumer outreach.”
“One of the primary factors fueling the global coconut products market is the increasing awareness among consumers about the health benefits associated with coconut-based products. The surge in vegan and vegetarian lifestyles has driven the demand for coconut milk, coconut cream, and other non-dairy substitutes. The versatility of coconut products in catering to different dietary preferences further contributes to their growing acceptance among health-conscious consumers,” according to a report by a market research group.
Recently, I visited the farm of a friend in Arakan town, Gory Paron, where he planted Tacunan Dwarf in his 5 hectare farm.
The growth and the fruiting of the Tacunan Dwarf is impressive with production starting at Year 3 after planting.
This is one of the varieties which would be promoted under the COIR Program for our farmers to be able to enjoy the high prices by 2030 to 2033 because of the early maturity.
