Millions of coconut seedlings are being planted nationwide as farmers, government agencies, local governments and industry partners join efforts to replace aging trees and strengthen the country’s coconut industry.
The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Coconut Authority (DA-PCA) said Monday that the simultaneous planting activity was held as part of the 40th National Coconut Week, observed from Aug. 24 to 30.
The initiative aims to replenish the country’s coconut resource base, improve farm productivity and create better income opportunities for coconut farmers.
A major focus is the replacement of senile and unproductive coconut palms that have reached the end of their productive life with high-quality seedlings.
“Every new seedling represents more than a future coconut tree. It represents the possibility of future harvests, additional farm income, improved productivity, and renewed opportunities for coconut-growing communities,” the DA-PCA said.
The planting drive supports the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), which provides interventions aimed at increasing coconut productivity and farmers’ earnings while sustaining the industry over the long term.
The DA-PCA also highlighted the participation of the PCA, CFIDP implementing agencies, local government units and farmers’ organizations in the activity.
The convergence approach is intended to bring government programs and support directly to coconut-growing communities and strengthen coordination among stakeholders.
The Philippines remains one of the world’s major coconut-producing countries, with the crop supporting millions of farmers and workers across the country.
Photo courtesy of Dreamstime
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