Did you know that coconut is considered “tree of life”? Coconuts represent a versatile superfood that provides amazing health benefits, nutrition and medicinical properties. In other words every part of the fruit is useful.The leading coconut producer and exporter nations are the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia.
Philippines being a tropical country is abundant of coconut trees. The coconut industry plays a very important role in the Philippine agriculture. It is considered a major dollar earner in the country that provides livelihood to 1/3 of the country’s population, and earns more than US$510 million annually. Based on the country’s Coconut Authority of the Department of Agriculture:
- Of the 12 million hectare of farmlands, 3.1 million hectare is devoted to coconut industry
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68 out of 79 provinces are coconut areas
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there are 3.5 million coconut farmers in the country
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25 million Filipinos are directly or indirectly dependent on the industry
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59% share in world coconut exports
The coconut palm provides a considerable export income as food and drink for domestic consumption and as fuel and shelter. Of the exported coconut products the dried kernel (copra) is a major source of vegetable oil. Dried kernel is widely used in the bakery and confectionery trades.
Philippines targets improving coconut production nationwide
Philippines’ government bolstered its bid on improving nationwide production of coconut. This reform will ensure supply of this export product as a top dollar-earner.
Aside from pursuing its regular planting, salt fertilization and replanting activities in coconut-producing areas for worldwide export, Philippine Coconut Authority also decided to undertake special fertilization intervention in 3 Central Philippine regions.
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