Coconut output likely little changed this year

COCONUT output in 2023 is expected to remain little changed, with the industry currently cultivating a large proportion of old trees, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) said.

“Our coconut trees are really ageing, and as they get older their yield decreases,” Bernie F. Cruz, PCA administrator said in a media briefing last week.

Mr. Cruz said the industry requires massive replanting to raise yields.

“In terms of nuts we are a little less than 15 billion (nuts) per year; unfortunately, it’s not going up. It is decreasing annually (little by little),” he said.

The 14.98 billion coconuts produced in 2022 represented a 1.4% rise from a year earlier, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

He noted rising demand from coconut processors who require volumes of about 18 to 20 billion nuts.

“(We are lagging by) 5 to 6 billion nuts, and need to produce more coconut each year,” he added.

The PCA has announced plans to replant about 100 million trees by 2028.

The Palace has ordered the agency “to reinvigorate the industry by using new technology and replanting massively,” Mr. Cruz said.

He added that about 3.16 million hectares of coconut farms have already been planted.

Mr. Cruz said the average yield in the industry is 44 nuts for each tree per year, which is expected to improve with replanting efforts.

“If we increase their yield from 44 nuts to 80-100, even if you don’t increase the price the farmers will get more than twice their average income,” he said, “If you plant the hybrid variety, it will yield around 100 to 140.” — Adrian H. Halili