DA Envisions Boosting Local Industry With "Superior Coconut Varieties"

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. highlighted the need for the Philippines to enhance the productivity of the local coconut industry through the cultivation of high-quality planting materials, including coconut hybrids and varieties with superior traits.

The Agriculture Secretary praised the conference's novel initiative to link science and business to Genetic Resources Conservation, Germplasm Exchange, and Use. I Photo: Department of Agriculture Philippines Facebook

He emphasized this during his speech at the inaugural International Scientific Conference on Research and Development held at the University of the Philippines' campus in Los Baños, Laguna.

Secretary Laurel underscored President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.'s directive to modernize agriculture and increase food production to uplift millions of farmers and fishermen from poverty.

The focus is on channeling substantial resources to boost coconut production, considering the Philippines is the world's second-largest coconut producer and the leading exporter, shipping around 70 percent of its output overseas.

Out of the country's 82 provinces, 68 are coconut producers, with Davao Oriental being the largest contributor. In 2022, the Philippine Coconut Authority reported an increased export value of the coconut industry, reaching USD 3.2 billion.

Major coconut exports include crude and refined coconut oil, desiccated coconut, copra meal, and coconut water.

Despite stable export growth, Secretary Laurel lamented the industry's challenges, such as declining farm yield since 2010 due to infestation and typhoons, low investments, limited research and development, and poor infrastructure. These issues have left many coconut farmers in poverty.

The Agriculture Secretary praised the conference's novel initiative to link science and business to Genetic Resources Conservation, Germplasm Exchange, and Use. He stressed that achieving this goal requires collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and the private sector.

Secretary Laurel assured the Department of Agriculture's support for unified, responsive, and market-driven initiatives to strengthen coconut production, ultimately improving the lives of millions of coconut farmers.

The conference was attended by representatives from the Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the International Genetic Resources Treaty on Food and Agriculture, the International Coconut Community, the International Coconut Genetic Resources Network, scientists, coconut industry representatives, and local researchers.

WEEKLY FEATURE : Jose Mari Chan And The Christmas Anthem