As part of the second field day of the National Plan for the Relaunching of the Coconut Sector in the Dominican Republic, held at the San Isidro Air Force Base, the Special Fund for Agricultural Development (FEDA) delivered 100,000 new coconut seedlings to 300 beneficiaries, for a total of more than 500,000 seedlings distributed under the plan.
Galván emphasized that the relaunching of the coconut sector is a reality throughout the country, since thousands of coconut tasks are being planted in all the provinces, which will allow replacing imports and improving the living conditions of the producers, promoting and rehabilitating coconut farms throughout the national territory.
With this effort, FEDA not only seeks to substitute imports, but also to guarantee the sustainability of the national industry and increase exports of coconut and its derivatives.
This event marks the second phase of the program, after a first phase of deliveries of 400,000 seedlings. The goal is to promote 54,000 tareas of coconut trees, benefit 540 small and medium agricultural producers, train 2,000 producers in the technical aspects of the crop and promote the industrialization and consumption of coconut, which is already practically covered by the distribution of seedlings and the implementation of more than 50 training events.
The event was attended by Julia Drullard, governor of the province of Santo Domingo; Ramón Cruz, deputy director of FEDA; Luz Olivia Espinal Tapia, and Hecmilio Galván, executive director of FEDA.
During the event, several presentations were made, including “Good Coconut Cultivation Practices”, by Carol Vanesa Genao, technician of the Dominican Citrus Consortium, and “Importance of Coconut Cultivation in the Dominican Republic”, by Daniel Dalet, president of the SoloCoco Group. Luz Olivia Espinal Tapia, along with testimonials from beneficiary producers, such as Jhoan Manuel Ledesma, from the province of Azua, and Osvaldo Zorrilla, from El Seibo.
The National Plan for the Relaunching of the Coconut Sector aims to improve the living conditions of the beneficiary producers; promote the development and rehabilitation of farms.
Specific objectives include substituting imports, improving the living conditions of small and medium-sized producers, and promoting the industrialization and consumption of coconut in the Dominican Republic. This plan has a significant investment in technical training for producers and the strengthening of the Coconut Cluster.
Coconut production in the Dominican Republic had been in historical decline. However, this plan is expected to expand domestic production, reduce pressure on imports, and ensure a steady supply to the domestic industry and tourism. According to FAO, world demand for coconut and its derivatives is growing at more than 10% annually, while current production is growing at just 2%.
Source:Presidencia.gob.do
