Revitalizing the Coconut Industry in Malaysia pg.2

For its national investment for the coconut sector, the national government of Malaysia has approved a funding allocation totaling RM 71.5 million under its 9th Malaysia Plan, Mid-Term Review Fund and Economic Stimulus Package. Under its Coconut Industry Road Map, it aims to replant 10,200 hectares and rehabilitate 51,200 hectares of coconut land involving small landholders up to 2015. To ensure higher productivity, improved coconut varieties like the MATAG hybrids and others will be used in the Replanting Program. The “Pandan” or Aromatic dwarf variety will also be used for the Young Tender Coconut market. The Coconut Rehabilitation Program will include provisions for fertilizer inputs, and agro-know-how on coconut based farming systems like intercropping and livestock integration.

The expected impact of these programs have been identified in terms of increase in coconut production from 3,500 nuts/ha/year to 20,000 nuts/ha/year in replanted farms with hybrids. Under the rehabilitation programs, farms with existing Malayan Tall varieties are expected to double its productivity from 3,500 nuts/ha/year to 7,000 nuts/ha/year.

The income of the coconut smallholders are likewise expected to increase from RM 350/month to RM 1000/month. The increase in coconut production is expected to provide adequate raw materials for the coconut-based processing industries and for home consumption. With the strong determination of the Government of Malaysia and with the support and collaboration of the private sector, these is no doubt that the proactive policies and the implementing strategies that have been formulated will indeed revitalize the Malaysian coconut industry in the years to come.

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