PCA-Cagayan to establish coconut nursery

The Philippine Coconut Authority Cagayan is set to establish a coconut nursery which will produce varieties of coconut seedlings for farmers. This project is in response to the high demand in coconut seedling production in the province.

Loreta dela Cruz, provincial manager, said when President Benigno C. Aquino ordered the enhancement of coconut industry in the country, there are many individuals who asked coconut seedlings and technical assistance for the establishment of coconut plantations.

"As of now, we don't have seedlings ready for planting because we already distributed them to some coconut farmers who expressed their interest to venture in coconut planting in the early quarters of this year," dela Cruz said.

She also said that aside from 'buko' juice, there are many by-products from coconut which are already processed and marketed in the region.

With the help of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Science and Technology, several processed products are being produced in some universities in the region, dela Cruz said.

In Cagayan State University-Sanchez Mira campus, they produce coco coir, bio pit, wall decors and food products such as nata de coco, virgin coconut oil and other food products. They also assist the groups of processors in marketing their products in and outside the region.

Dela Cruz further said that the establishment of a nursery will also help in national greening project of the government. -PIA — ARA