The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) plans to build a coconut seed farm in each province in Central Visayas to increase the amount of coconuts produced for export.
In a statement, Rhea Ocay, the coordinator for the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), said the government's goal is to guarantee that coconut farmers in the area are entitled to an adequate supply of premium coconut planting materials.
"The PCA envisions the future of the coconut industry not just in terms of our current coconut planting efforts, but also to regain our position as the number one producer of high-quality coconuts," she said.
Current state
According to Ocay, there are currently four coconut seed farms overseen by Cebu Technological University - Barili Campus situated on 78 hectares of land in the southern town of Barili, Cebu, as well as the towns of Ubay and Luay in the province of Bohol and La Libertad in Negros Oriental. These farms are planted with 10,159 coconuts.
Additionally, a seed garden can be found in Borbon, which is located to the north of Cebu province.
Under the CFIDP-Coconut Hybridization Program, PHP3 million in funding is awarded annually to each seed farm.
Increasing cultivation
In terms of coconut production in 2022, the Philippines came in second place to Indonesia with 14.93 metric tons. Conversely, Indonesia produced 17.19 metric tons.
As a result, the seed farm's objectives–as per PCA–will be to enhance the production of premium coconut types and assist in regaining the world record in which the Philippines was the top producer of premium coconut.
