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Opportunities in the coconut cultivation
Jamaica
Tuesday 04 May 2010
NAD
Coconut cultivation can be a good investments as all parts of the plant can be used
Coconut Industry Board (CIB) encourages coconut production in Jamaïca.
“The investment in coconut water comes at an opportune time because the world demand for coconut water is set to increase” said Dr Derrick Deslandes, senior director of the Excellency Center at the Ministry of Agriculture.
Indeed, each plant on average can produce 60 to 100 coconuts per year. A coconut is sold for $27.50, according to information from the Ministry of Agriculture. With a production of 60 coconuts per plant, Jamaica could realise an estimated $165 million per 100,000 plants.
It takes four years for a plant to fully develop and start bearing fruit, so the revenue impact may not be actualised until the fifth year of the programme and this action will require the investment of the larger food processors locally.
Coconut water is seen as a natural alternative to sports beverages, energy drinks and flavoured water. Natural coconut water is also low in sugar.
The Ministry of Agriculture and the CIB are encouraging local farmers and processors to engage with the industry in increasing the production of coconuts which can open the door to new opportunities in the global market for sports recovery drinks.
Source: Jamaica Observer
