PCA pushes use of synthetic, aromatic coco varieties

MANILA, Philippines - To hasten the recovery of typhoon-damaged coconut plantations in the Visayas, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is promoting the use of synthetic and aromatic coconut varieties.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) would also implement a typhoon-resistant planting method for coconut trees.

Coconut trees typically grow within seven to eight years, but synthetic and aromatic varieties could flower and bear fruit within three to four years.

The synthetic coconut variety is a superior variety developed by scientists at the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).

It is a high-yielding variety that produces larger nuts.

Aromatic coconut varieties, on the other hand, bear small, fragrant nuts.

The onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda in November caused P1.51 billion worth of damage in some 41,662 hectares of coconut plantations in Visayas.

As a short term rehabilitation solution, the PCA is implementing a cash-for-work program to provide immediate cash to farmers who participate in clearing operations. The lumber gathered would be used to rebuild houses.

The PCA is also promoting intercropping of corn with coconut trees to provide farmers with an alternative livelihood  as their coconut lands undergo rehabilitation.

“Coconut farmers who intercrop corn will have good returns because of sustained growth in livestock,” said Alcala.

Phlippine coconut exports rose  by 3.19 percent in terms of value in the first nine months of the year.