THEME XLV COCOTECH MEETING

INSIDE

Post XLV Cocotech Meeting...... 2 Coconut Festival 2012 ...... 22 Integrated management practices and farm level processing, Le Mamea Ropati Mualia – a Samoan Minister with the need of the hour ...... 4 Determination and Commitment...... 25 Remany Gopalakrishnan Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development of Coconut Industry ...... 8 Coconut Ice cream Reigns over American Ice cream Industry ...... 28 Technological Developments on Crop Mini Mathew Improvement and Coconut based farming system ...... 10 The wonder syrup from coconut ...... 32 Jayashree. A & K. Muralidharan Integrated pest and disease management in coconut farming ...... 11 Business Opportunities ...... 33

Value addition adds revenue ...... 12 Cocotech Meetings hosted by India- a recap ...... 34

Research institutes of Coir Board VIRGIN is thy name and HEALTH is thy fame ...... 36 for modernization of coir industry ...... 13 Deepthi Nair S.

Vast potential for coconut sugar ...... 14 Keeping ancient wisdom, the way forward for sustainability ...... 37 Promoting Replanting and Rejuvenation Sona John & C. Sasikumar of coconut gardens for inclusive and sustainable growth ...... 15 Sowing the Seeds of Change ...... 39 Deepthi. R. & Sona John From Conference venue to coconut field ...... 16 Recollection of my association with Cocotech and Cogent ...... 40 Business meet, to explore the global P.K.Thampan markets - recommendations of XLV COCOTECH ...... 16 Coconut Breeding Initiatives in India and Sri Lanka .. 45 Remany Gopalakrishnan Global coconut industry - marches ahead ...... 17 Monthly operations in coconut gardens - August ...... 49 XLV COCOTECH - In the Media ...... 20 News ...... 50

Market Review - June 2012 ...... 51 ChairmanRs Page

Post XLV Cocotech Meeting...

Dear Coconut Farmers, Farmers in coconut growing countries like India got the opportunity to host the XLV Philippines and Sri Lanka are not experiencing Cocotech meeting this time. The meeting was severe and recurring fall in coconut price. The successfully conducted at Kochi from 2nd to 6th very reason is that their coconut industry is much July 2012. India was getting this opportunity after more sturdy, vibrant and broad based and do not 12 years, since the 37th COCOTECH meeting strongly depend on copra coconut oil linkage. held at Chennai in 2000. APCC and its member Instead, they fetch much better income from the countries have adjudged this meeting as one of export of value added products like palm sugar, the best Cocotech meetings ever held. Apart from virgin coconut oil, packaged tender coconut water, the 18 member countries of APCC, the Food and coconut milk and cream and quality cosmetics Agriculture Organization (FAO), USA, Brazil, made out of coconut milk. USA is the main France, Singapore, Mozambique and Kenya also importer of these value added products from attended the meeting. Philippines and Sri Lanka. Countries like New Zealand and Australia import coconut products This Cocotech meeting was unique in many from Pacific Island countries like Fiji, Soloman other ways too. It witnessed the strong presence Islands and Samoa. This positive trend coupled of private sector. Representatives of private equity with the growing demand for ‘natural products’ funds expressed willingness to invest in coconut all over the world need to be carefully tapped for processing sector. Representative of Coco Cola, ensuring steady fair and remunerative price to one of the soft drink giants also participated in farmers. the meeting. Hon’ble Ministers of Agriculture from Samoa and Fiji too blessed the session with their World over, tender coconut water, coconut esteemed presence. cream and palm sugar are getting wide acceptance as ‘natural soft drink’ and ‘natural Coconut palm sugar, a product made from neera products’. This opportunity is opening new vistas tapped from coconut inflorescence with low to Indian farmers and processors. But individual glycemic index was the star of the event and was in the lime light. Similarly branded coconut ice efforts by farmers alone may not bring success. cream ‘So Delicious’ was another product which Efforts shall be made through farmers’ collectives grabbed the attention of the media and gathering. and by innovative entrepreneurs in this sector. In Malaysia and Philippines high yielding hybrid The manufacturers of these products viz. ‘Big seedlings are produced through farmer Tree Farms’, Indonesia and ‘Turtle Mountain participatory ventures. LLC’, USA have captured the niche market and are reaping success through the sale of these Participants of the meeting were encouraged products. Such ventures are good models which to replicate the new initiatives of the Board like can be emulated by Indian entrepreneurs for Friends of Coconut Tree (FoCT), Coconut making Indian coconut industry competitive. The Producer’s Society (CPS), Federation, Producer Cocotech meeting provided an opportunity to the Companies and Collaborative Research with Indian farmers, farmers’ collectives, processors, Educational Institutions for production of high entrepreneurs and officials to get acquainted with quality hybrid seedlings. The field demonstration latest technologies in cultivation and processing, of FoCTs triggered their enthusiasm and the value added products and modern machineries for delegates from Indonesia and America took coconut processing. samples of palm climbing machines with them. No mechanical device is so far developed for palm

2 Indian Coconut Journal July 2012 ChairmanRs Page climbing in countries where large scale cultivation Tamil Nadu which are in the first and second of coconut, processing, marketing and export of position in coconut production are the worst coconut products are being done. This poses affected by the price fall of coconut. The export avenues for the Indian manufacturers of suggestion for giving extra support to farmers palm climbing machines. through MSP procurement has been brought to In Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia where the attention of these three state governments. large scale coconut processing industries exist, The formation of CPS has gained momentum coconut processing is carried out by a vast array outside Kerala too. Board has set a target of 1000 of entrepreneurs. In India too, we must encourage CPS each in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. and motivate entrepreneurs to coconut processing Initiatives are already taken for forming 500 CPSs sector. Once our Producer Companies become and their Federations in Andhra Pradesh too. It is active it would be the first model in APCC also targeted to form 10 Producer Companies in countries. Therefore it is high time to act at an Kerala, 5 each in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka accelerated pace and make our transition from during this year. During the next year, it is expected CPS to Federation and to Producer Companies a to have copra procurement at MSP rates through reality. CPS and their Federations. Many of the problems Our farmers can initiate novel ideas from the faced by farmers in MSP procurement of copra knowledge gained from the Cocotech Meeting. can be solved through these routes. APCC must coordinate joint initiatives for The World Coconut Day 2012 (September 2nd) falls identifying new market for coconut and its in the midst of this price fall. CPSs and their products rather than each member country Federations must make use of this opportunity attempting individually for the same. for raising their concern and recommending plausible solution before the public, people’s ‘Collaborative Competition’ or ‘creative representatives, Local Self Government competition’ is a new idea which needs to be Institutions and state governments. pursued. The example of NASSCOM, the consortium of software companies of India which Will it not be more appropriate if World ensures enough opportunities to all member Coconut Day celebrations are conducted jointly companies nationally and internationally is a good by CPS and Federations at district head quarters? example that can be emulated in coconut sector. This can be a platform for discussing various APCC must participate in international exhibitions reasons for price fall, remedial measures and for and fairs and share the business enquiries with all exhibiting value added coconut products to member countries. Information on duties and consumers. Successful coconut farmers and best tariffs, quality control standards and other relevant workers can be honoured. Competitions on palm laws of each country should be published in the climbing, coconut based recipes and literary website of APCC and in the Cocommunity. From competition for students may also be thought of. this issue onwards, Board is trying to carry the Faculties from life science departments and business enquiries published in the Cocommunity students from colleges and universities may be in our journals too. invited for paper presentation and deliberations. Thus the World Coconut Day celebrations 2012 Indian coconut farmers are passing through a in India can be made a unique experience. severe crisis due to acute fall in price of coconut. Procurement at MSP has not gained momentum I solicit the CPS and Federations to come even after four months. Government of Karnataka forward and take the lead for such a new venture. which is having the third position in coconut With regards, production has recently issued Government Order T K Jose for giving additional Rs.7/- per kg. for the copra procured at MSP rates. We hope that the state governments of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Chairman Pradesh may also emulate this model. Kerala and

Indian Coconut Journal 3 July 2012 Integrated management practices and farm level processing, the need of the hour Consolidation of farmers at coconut and coconut products can agreements created impact on our ground level and encouraging them be achieved only through increased agricultural sector by sudden for adoption of integrated productivity. Coconut was opening of a closed economy. The management practices and farm predominantly considered as an oil climate change on account of global level processing is the need of the seed crop in India. The potential of warming and the resultant damages hour for solving many precarious coconut as food and beverage crop on coconut due to the sudden issues haunting coconut industry, also has to be fully exploited. outbreak of pest and disease, flood said Prof. K V Thomas, Union Lowering of import tariff, increased and drought aggravated the Minister for Consumer Affairs, market access and the free trade situation. Food and Public Distribution. He Though the coconut sector in the was speaking at the inauguration of country is beset with many 45th COCOTECH meeting. The problems, he said, we have with us 45th COCOTECH was held at many strengths and opportunities. Kochi during 2- 6 July 2012 on the Indian coconut products, command theme, Inclusive Growth & good demand in international Sustainable Development of the market. Many products like virgin Coconut Industry. coconut oil, packed tender coconut Sustainability of coconut water, activated carbon, etc. have industry is of paramount importance access and presence in the world to provide price stability and market. Tender coconut water is remunerative price to the coconut Prof. K V Thomas, Union Minister for emerging as the natural health drink farmers. Global competitiveness in Consumer Affairs, Food and Public of the world and has great export Distribution

4 Indian Coconut Journal July 2012 potential. He called upon the Fisheries, Government of Samoa this industry to the next generation. stakeholders to take advantage of released the XLV Cocotech Cocotech meetings are this opportunity. Our country should Souvenir and Shri. Kabbali Ranga opportunities to discuss the way to figure in the forefront in all areas. Gowda, former Chairman, Coconut sustainability improve and develop Aggregation of farmers and Development Board received the the coconut industry. first copy. In his special address, their produce will help to make Shri. S Damodaran, Minister for Shri. Le Mamea Ropati Mualia available raw materials at Agriculture, Government of Tamil spoke on the importance of competitive rates. This will also Nadu in his presidential address sustainable development of the trigger farm level processing for called upon the scientists to identify coconut industry which is vital for value addition, effective marketing new technologies for developing the country’s economy. The work strategies and market promotional new varieties of coconut which are done today will ensure a activities. He appreciated the bold disease resistant and drought continuation and conservation of initiatives of the Board in this tolerant. He further said that the direction by forming Coconut Producers’ Societies and their Federations which will be further graduated into Producers’ Companies. He called upon the APCC countries to make use the platform of this Cocotech to work together, to share their knowledge and expertise to conquer the global markets particularly, USA, Europe and even the non traditional markets. Shri. Le Mamea Ropati Mualia, Shri. Le Mamea Ropati Mualia, Minister Shri. S Damodaran , Minister for Minister for Agriculture and for Agriculture and Fisheries, Government of Samoa Agriculture, Government of Tamil Nadu

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401 genotypes in the gene bank of medicinal properties and therefore Central Plantation Crops Research Coconut Development Board is Institute (CPCRI) can be utilized trying to drive home the advantages effectively by all scientists of consuming coconut oil as a throughout the world. health food. Shri. A A Jinnah, MP and In his special address, Shri. K. member Coconut Development Jayakumar IAS , Chief Secretary, Board in his address said that Government of Kerala offered the initiatives must be taken for making whole hearted support of the tender coconut water more popular. Government of Kerala to make the The coconut farmers, he said should life of the coconut farmers be well protected and the comfortable. There are many Government of India must introduce issues like low production and more schemes for the welfare of productivity, pest and diseases, Shri. T K Jose IAS, Chairman, Coconut the coconut growers of India. threat from other crops and Development Board concerns about health issues from Shri. Ashish Bahuguna IAS, problems faced by them. The most the excessive use of coconut. Secretary Agriculture, Government important is plant protection Medicinal uses of coconut is an of India in his key note address said measures, pest and diseases, biotic area where lot of research need to that 95% of coconut farmers are and abiotic stress and helping to be done. He concluded that from mostly small and marginal and produce good planting material. this forum new initiatives and ideas whatever we are doing for Shri. Romulo N Arancon would emanate to improve the life improving the production and Jr.Executive Director, APCC in his opening statement informed that COCOTECH promote professional linkages as well as business partnerships and networks among the stakeholders of the coconut industry worldwide. The recommendations of this meeting will constitute the way forward for the action programme as well as for the projects which APCC will pursue in the years ahead. He stressed that in the present Shri. Ashish Bahuguna IAS , Secretary Shri. K. Jayakumar IAS , Chief Secretary, era where production and Agriculture, Government of India Government of Kerala productivity of coconut is stagnant; productivity and the forward of coconut farmers, to improve the the selected theme is very relevant. linkages in the marketing and health and economy of coconut He called upon all the developing processing of coconut would be of sector as such. nations in APCC to take concerted extremely great help in improving efforts to ensure food security and Shri. T K Jose IAS, Chairman, the livelihood and income scarcity nutrition by raising agriculture Coconut Development Board, in his of these farmers. So we look upon productivity and alleviating poverty. welcome address thanked APCC these sessions to guide the way In the coconut sector there is a for giving India the opportunity to ahead for the coconut sector to strong need to increase productivity host the 45th COCOTECH grow. New research and studies with a strong advocacy for meeting. Coconut growing countries indicate that the medicinal systematic well funded coconut are facing various problems during properties of coconut oil has made replanting and rejuvenation the current period. All APCC it an extremely significant part of prgramme with the objective of countries are looking upon the diet and it has nutraceutical and increasing coconut yield and farm COCOTECH for solving various productivity.

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Shri. Sandeep Saxena IAS, Shri. Romulo N Arancon Jr. Agriculture Production Commissioner, Shri. A A Jinnah, MP and Member Executive Director, APCC Tamil Nadu Coconut Development Board Growth in the coconut sector must be inclusive and must ensure that all stakeholders especially the small farm holders must reap the benefits of this growth, capacity building, appropriate technologies, better prices, market access and efficient marketing system, higher income, food security and improved nutrition. He hoped that the farmers interface session would provide the Shri. Le Mamea Ropati Mualia, Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Government of Samoa releasing the Souvenir platform for more productive dialogue for exchange of ideas and experiences and promote greater capacity building, knowledge and economic opportunities. Shri. Sandeep Saxena IAS, Agriculture Production Commissioner, Tamil Nadu in his address told that the selected theme of XLV Cocotech is pertinent for India because majority of the small and marginal farmers have to Shri. Kabbali Ranga Gowda, former Chairman of the Board, Shri. Sivadas Meena IAS, sustain the livelihood of themselves APC, Tamil Nadu, Members of the Board, K. Dharmarajan, Adv. Varkala B. and their family. There are so many Ravikumar, Shri. Mani. C. Kappan, Smt. Netravathi. challenges in the coconut industry The meeting was attended by and he hoped that these challenges Director, CPCRI and member Shri. Vasanth Vishnu Limaye, Vice will be deliberated in this meeting. CDB. Chairman, CDB, Adv. Varkala B. Shri. M Thomas Mathew, Ravikumar, Shri. Dharmarajan, The meeting was followed by Senior Consultant, Coconut Shri. Mani.C. Kappan and Smt. technical sessions, field visit and a Development Board proposed a Netravathi, Members of the Board; farmer’s interface. A Coconut vote of thanks. and Dr. George V. Thomas, Festival was also conducted as part of the COCOTECH meeting.

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Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development of Coconut Industry

A view of the first technical session. Seen are Shri. M. Kumaraswamy Pillai, Shri. Romulo N. Arancon Jr., Smt. Yvonne T.V., Shri. John V. Tucker The XLV COCOTECH Coconut Community (APCC). Mr. Authority, New Delhi. The fourth Meeting held at Kochi, India from Uron Salum, Advisor, Kokonas session on Value-Added Coconut 2nd to 6th July 2012 with the theme Industries Koporesen (KIK), Papua Processing, Coconut Product “Inclusive Growth and Sustainable New Guinea chaired the second Packaging, Quality Control Issues, Development of the Coconut session on Technological and Updates on Coconut Industry” deliberated the five topics Developments on Coconut Crop Processing Equipment/Machineries in technical sessions. The first Improvement, Coconut / was chaired by Mr. Fonoiava session on Policies and Programs Agronomy/ Nutrition, and Coconut- Sealiitu Sesega, Chief Executive for Inclusive Growth and Based Farming System. Officer, Ministry of Agriculture and Sustainable Development of the Fisheries, Apia, Samoa. Dr. P The third session on Sustainable Rethinam former Executive Coconut Industry, Market Integrated Pest and Disease Development and Health Attributes Director APCC and former Management Strategies in Coconut Chairman, Coconut Development of Coconut was chaired by Mr. Farming was chaired by Dr. Ravi Romulo N. Arancon Jr., Executive Board chaired the Indian Coconut Prakash, Registrar, Protection of Farmers Interface. Director, Asian and Pacific Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Work together and grow together for attaining inclusive growth and sustainability in coconut sector

Shri. T.K. Jose, of coconut economy of the coconut can be recaptured easily through IAS, Chairman, growing countries could be the various opportunities and C o c o n u t achieved through integrated potential of coconut sector existing Development development of coconut cultivation globally. He emphasized that Board, India in his and industry coupled with a stable achieving higher productivity was presentation on market. He pointed out that Indian the only way out for bringing coconut industry has achieved competitiveness in coconut sector. Policies and Programs for Inclusive tremendous progress during the last He also spoke on CDB Growth and Sustainable 3 decades through the unstinted programmes which has taken a shift Development of the Coconut efforts of CDB. He further said that in strategy like aggregation of Industry in India stated that the lost glory of coconut economy farmers for group activities, inclusive growth and sustainability

8 Indian Coconut Journal July 2012 COCOTECH collaborative research for Effective marketing role in the American diet, the production of high yielding and strategies for healthy consumer demands have shifted. He further said that the trends hybrid seedlings, creating more competition climbers for harvesting and farming represent a double edged sword for operations, etc. along with the Shri. M. Kumara swamy Pillai, coconut based foods due to several factors like the lingering past objective of triggering production, Director (Marketing), Coir Board perceptions, the strong link between processing and value addition. India spoke on National Policies, saturated fats and heart disease and has targeted a 2-3 fold increase in Programs and Marketing Strategies a weak body of evidence supporting productivity in the coming five for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development of the the emerging perception of coconut years. India is also aiming a as a health food. quantum jump in export and look Coir Sector in India. He briefly forward to have bigger share in the highlighted the timeline and Fatty acids in coconut oil international markets. He called milestone of Coir Board, India. He offer positive health said that the first Coir factory was upon the APCC countries to work benefits started in 1859 and now there are together and grow together for Prof. D.M. around 60 Mats & Matting Co-op. attaining inclusive growth and V a s u d e v a n , Societies, and around 250 exporters sustainability in coconut sector. Dean (Retd), and 10,000 small scale P r o f e s s o r manufacturers catering to the Vast scope for product E m e r i t u s , requirements of these exporters. diversification and export Department of of coconut products He further spoke on the processing of various products and on the Biochemistry, Amrita Institute of Ms. Yvonne T.V. Agustin, optimum utilization of raw material Medical Sciences, Kochi, India, Executive Director, United Coconut based on ‘zero wastage’ concept. spoke on the health aspects of Associations of the Philippines The modernisation of spinning and coconut. He said that saturated fats (UCAP), Manila, in her weaving processes has enhanced with long chain fatty acids causes presentation on Trade and Market productivity and quality of the heart disease and nearly 50 % of the fat in coconut oil is lauric acid Developments of Traditional and products resulting in an annual growth rate of production of fibre (medium chain fatty acid). He Emerging/Non Traditional Coconut to13%. He called upon the further explained that the medium Products in the stated that delegates and APCC to have more chain fatty acids directly enter into Philippines has been a major effective marketing strategies for the cells and are metabolized exporter of various coconut having a healthy competition among immediately. He said that the lauric products like coconut oil, copra the member countries for getting acid in coconut oil is used by the meal, desiccated coconut, coconut the better price for their products. body to make the anti-microbial shell charcoal, activated carbon etc. Coconut coming back to derivative monolaurin. Coconut oil She said that more new products American diet inhibits various microorganisms and have entered the market led by the medium chain fatty acids in oleochemicals together with a host Shri. John V. Tucker, President, coconut oil offer positive health ‘So Delicious Dairy Free’, Turtle of non-traditional export products benefits for patients with irritable Mountain, LLC, Oregon, USA in his bowel syndrome and other digestive such as glycerine, alkanolamide, presentation highlighted that disorders. He concluded that coconut soaps, nata de coco, coconut is now emerging from the coconut oil does not affect serum coconut milk, coconut cream, virgin negative backlash of the 1980s cholesterol level, does not cause coconut oil, coconut water, coir when it was wrongly vilified as a clogging in arterial walls, increases products, and lately coconut sugar. leading cause of heart disease. serum HDL cholesterol, produces The export markets have also Now coconut is slowly entering into very little free radicals, does not get expanded from the US and Europe the American diet. As health and deposited and helps in resisting to Asian and Pacific countries. wellness continue to play a strong invading micro-organisms.

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Technological Developments on Crop Improvement and Coconut based farming system

Dr. George V. Thomas, Dr. H.A.J. Gunathilake, Shri. Uron Salun, Shri. Romulo N. Arancon Jr., Shri. David J. Lobo and Dr. Ronald Bourdeix in the technical session Coconut Research Institute different agro-ecological regions AICRPP and SAUs had resulted in of Sri Lanka for improving revealed 40 – 50% yield increase the development of 32 improved over the traditional coconut crop production, varieties including 15 hybrid varieties. He also spoke on the varieties for cultivation in different protection and value renewable energy production agro-climatic regions within the addition technology using animal based country, and 3 coconut root (wilt) farming systems including fuel resistant/tolerant varieties to combat Dr. H.A.J. Gunathilake, Director, wood trees. production loss resulting from this Coconut Research Institute, phytoplasmal disease. CPCRI had Lunuwila, Sri Lanka spoke on the Better production developed coconut embryo culture Technological Developments on technologies for coconut and coconut cryo preservation Coconut Crop Improvement, and coconut based technologies to aid germplasm Coconut Agronomy/Nutrition, and collection and conservation efforts. Coconut Based Farming System in cropping/farming systems The institute has also standardized Sri Lanka. Under the crop Dr. George V. Thomas, Director, coconut plumule culture technology improvement programme of Central Plantation Crops Research to develop pure lines of parental Coconut Research Institute of Sri Institute, Kasaragod, Kerala, India material for planting material Lanka, the newly developed in his presentation on Technological production. He highlighted the cultivars like Sri Lanka Tall x San Developments on Coconut Crop production technology that was Ramon and Sri Lanka Green Dwarf Improvement, Coconut Agronomy/ developed by CPCRI for coconut x San Ramon are performing well Nutrition, and Coconut Based and coconut based cropping/ and now there is mass production Farming System in India stated that farming systems, including to meet the demand from growers. coconut production and productivity integrated nutrient and water Sri Lanka Brown Dwarf is the best in India had increased during the management strategies and drip dwarf variety for hybridization with last one decade as a result of fertigation technologies. These other tall types. Brown Dwarf x developmental initiatives and technologies had enabled to Sri Lanka Tall and its reciprocal and implementation of technologies achieve higher productivity and Brown Dwarf x San Ramon are generated from research institutes resource use efficiency. India is in significant varieties. He said that all within the country. He pointed out the forefront in developing organic multi-locational fields established in that the research efforts at CPCRI,

10 Indian Coconut Journal July 2012 COCOTECH farming practices and had society. Deejay has won several and their possible applications in standardized technologies for State and Central awards including Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, Indonesia, recycling of coconut wastes. The the award from the National French Polynesia and Samoa’. bio-engineering measures Productivity Council of India for Polymotu concept (poly=many, standardized by CPCRI for sloppy good performance, productivity and motu=island) was to use the terrains has enabled to sustain crop rural development. geographical isolation of special production in high rainfall areas of sites for conservation and west coast region by conserving soil COGENT for reproduction of individual varieties resources in an effective manner. strengthening international of plants, trees and even animals. The concept was mainly derived Deejay, the pioneer in collaboration in conservation and use of from previous initiatives in coconut hybridization in conservation of coconut palms by India coconut genetic resources ancient Polynesians and some Dr. Roland Bourdeix, COGENT contemporary Thais. In 2009, the Shri. David J. Lobo, Chairman, Coordinator, COGENT/Bioversity Polymotu concept was included in Deejay Group, Bangalore, India International, Montpellier, France, the global coconut conservation presented his company profile and spoke on the activities of COGENT strategy developed by the spoke on his own success story. for strengthening international International Coconut Genetic Deejay with more than forty years collaboration in conservation and Resources Network (COGENT) of business is into agriculture, use of coconut genetic resources, and the Global Crop Diversity Trust. aquaculture, processed foods and promoting improving coconut He hoped that Polymotu concept information technology with 14 production on a sustainable basis, would strengthen the links between patent applications to its credit. and boosting livelihood and income people, landscape and biodiversity Deejay has been also instrumental of coconut stakeholders in the and a significant outcome would be in bringing McDonald’s fast food developing countries. Dr. Roland the safe conservation of the chain into India. Deejay is one of Bourdeix, also presented a paper on representative biodiversity of the pioneers in coconut hybridization Three declinations of the Polymotu coconuts and increased availability in India. Deejay believes that its Concept: ‘Inland ex Situ’, of certified coconut seednuts for profit is and must be the legitimate ‘Ecotourism on Islands”, ‘Urban’ mainland farmers. reward for service rendered to Integrated pest and disease management in coconut farming Dr. Priyanthie Fernando, Head of threatening the coconut industry in shortage of labour and the limited Crop Protection Division and the country. She concluded that in knowledge in management Additional Director, Coconut spite of the successfully developed methods. IPM packages the pests still cause Research Institute, Lunuwila, Sri Dr. (Smt.) K. R. M. Bhanu, Asst serious damage due to the Lanka spoke on Integrated General Manager (Research), Pest negligence of coconut growers, Management of Major Coconut Control India Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru, Pests and Diseases in Sri Lanka. Major pests of coconut in Sri Lanka are coconut mite, coconut caterpillar, red palm weevil, Plesispa beetle and black beetle. There were fewer occurrences of diseases in the country. Recently Weligama Coconut leaf Wilt Dr. (Smt.) K. R. M. Bhanu, Dr. Ravi Prakash, Shri. Romulo N. Arancon Jr., and Disease in the southern Province is Dr. Priyanthie Fernando during the technical session

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India presented a paper ‘Integrated surveillance tool for understanding tools for mass trapping RPW and Management of Major Coconut the pest status to release parasitoids RB in integrated pest management Pests Using Pheromone Lures’. and natural enemies and to manage the pest population under The pheromone lures of PCI can aggregation pheromones of RPW economic threshold levels. be used as a monitoring and & RB can be used as management Value addition adds revenue

Dr. Dina B. Masa, Smt. Sarapee Yuodyong, Shri. Estu Susanto, Shri. Fonoiava Sealiipu Sesega, Shri. Romulo Arancon Jr., Shri. Amol Pendharkar, and Shri. Lai Kit Mun during the technical session coconut water and other value Dr. Dina B. Masa, Manager, Trends and Tetra Pak Technology added products like coconut milk, Product Development Department, Knowledge” stated that coconut desiccated coconut powder, coconut Philippine Coconut Authority, water is one of the fastest growing virgin oil, coconut juice/milk etc. He Philippines presented a paper on beverages, which is well accepted concluded that coconut water, ‘Technical Updates on Virgin by the consumers, endorsed by the coconut milk and virgin coconut oil Coconut Oil (VCO), Coconut Flour, celebrities for its health and are dynamic profit zones of the and Coconut Water’. She informed goodness. Brazil is the largest present and future. that the research and development market for packed coconut water Smt. Sarapee Yuodyong, of the Philippine coconut industry and Kero Coco is the country’s Managing Director, and Shri. Estu has shifted its focus to product leading brand. In United States, Susanto, Chiwadi Products co., development of functional foods coconut water brands such as Vita Ltd. Samutprakan, Thailand spoke and to efficacy studies on its coco, O.N.E. and Zico led the on Organic Coconut Sap beneficial effects to human health market while in Europe, coconut Processing, Quality, Issues and and nutrition in order to cope up with water is making steady inroads as Marketing” stated that Chiwadi the fast pace of industry more people are aware of the health products has chosen to follow development and to sustain the benefits of this nutrient-packed ancient wisdom, incorporated with market demands. The R&D beverage. science and technology for emphasized on enhancing the health Shri. Amol Pendharkar, producing coconut sugar syrup benefits of emerging coconut food Marketing Manager, Product organically. Chiwadi is marketing products such as coconut water, Development and Innovation the innovated products to premium coconut sugar, virgin coconut oil and Centre, Tetra Pack India Pvt Ltd, affordable local markets. She coconut flour. India, spoke on integration of tender stressed that Chiwadi lived with Shri. Lai Kit Mun, Director of coconut and mature coconut water passion to drive immortal dream in Coconut Knowledge Center, Tetra for processing and feasibility of the “Natural Being for Health and Pak South East Asia, Singapore, in commercial plant to manufacture Sustainability”. his presentation entitled “Marketing

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Research institutes of Coir Board for modernization of coir industry oil in the copra cake, low maintenance and low production losses. For the longer shelf life of coconut water Shri. Narayan Banerjee, General A view of the 4th technical session. Seen are Dr.U.S. Sarma, Shri. Ropate S. Ligairi, Manager-Project, Gem Allied Shri. Romulo N. Arancon Jr., Shri. C.R. Devaraj and Shri. Rajarathinam Industries Pvt. Ltd, Kolkata, India in his presentation entitled ‘Modern Machineries in the Processing of Dr. U.S. Sarma, Director, Central or inorganic materials. The living Desiccated Coconut, and Coconut Coir Research Institute (CCRI), plant becomes in a fairly short period Shell (Charcoal) Drying System’ Kerala, India presented a paper on of time the functioning technical discussed the opportunities ‘Technical Updates on Coir and component of the system. available for coconut factory, yield, Coir-Based Products Research and Shri. K. Rajarathinam, Proprietor, and advantages for investment, Development in India’. He Essar Engineering, Coimbatore, market strategy, production process informed that the two research India in his presentation Engineering and technology. He pointed out that institutes of Coir Board has of Machineries to Process Products the major drawback of coconut developed a number of technologies from Coconut Husks stated that processing has always been the which would go a long way in the Essar Engineering is manufacturing speed of deterioration once the modernization of coir industry and the machines required for coir pith products are exposed to air; the empowering the women folks product. He spoke on the Uses of water rapidly loses most of its engaged in the industry for their Coco peat & Husk Substrate as a organoleptic and nutritional livelihood to the extent of 80%. To growing media in the Green House characteristics and begins to mitigate the acute crisis of coir fibres industry, as potting soil in the ferment. GEM company has in the country CCRI had come out Garden centers, alternative to peat created the technology for the with a mobile coir fibre extraction moss in soilless cultivation, and used longer shelf life of matured coconut machine which was able to extract in landscapes. He highlighted the water. about 600 husks per hour by a single advantages, properties the use and Shri. Sreekumar Nair, Consultant, woman worker and to make application of coco peat and husk Creative Advisory Services, effective use of tender coconut substrate in floriculture and Chennai, India in his presentation husks. Five equipments have been horticulture. spoke on the specifications of designed and fabricated so that the desiccated coconut for export and husks could be either cut into pieces Shri. Harish Singla, Director and some of the major quality issues in or pulverized. Shri. Amit Agarwal, Promotion the manufacture of desiccated Shri. C. R. Devaraj, Managing Head, Goyum Screw Press Pvt. coconut. Director, Charankattu Coir Mfg.Co. Ltd., Punjab, India in his Shri. K. R. Raghunath, Managing (P), Ltd, Shertallay, Kerala, India presentation entitled ‘Modern Director South East Asia, KIS presented a paper on ‘Resurgence Technologies and Machineries to Group, Singapore in his presentation of the Global Market Demand of Extract Copra Oil’ presented the entitled ‘ZERO PONDS-Total Coir Products Especially Coir Pith machines being used in copra/oil Green Technology for Coconut and Coir Geotextiles’. He spoke on mill. He informed that with his Industry Effluent treatment’ stated the coir production method as well modern machines, it’s possible to that KIS GREEN Technology as the processing steps. He get oil recovery of about 64% from provides complete solution for introduced Soil Bioengineering, a copra. He presented the parameters Various Effluents treatment low-tech method of construction for the efficient Oil Expellers without use of any lagoons (Ponds) using living plants, or plants in namely; low energy consumption, with consistently higher biogas combination with non-living organic high recovery of the oil, low residual generation.

Indian Coconut Journal 13 July 2012 COCOTECH

Vast potential for coconut sugar

Shri. Somchaiwatanayothin, Shri. Romulo. N. Arancon Jr, Shri. Nuttapon Visuthikraisee and Shri. Benjamin Ripple in the technical session For the longer shelf life of sugar. Big Tree Farms organic provides technical and policy advice coconut water certified supply chain now and assistance, training and encompasses over 7,000 research services to its Pacific Shri. Nuttapon Visuthikraisee, smallholder farmers specific to Island members. The Community is General Manager, Asiatic Agro coconut sugar. His company is open promoting value added coconut Industry Co. Ltd., Bangkok, to expanding its programmes products especially given the new Thailand in his presentation entitled outside Indonesia and supporting window of opportunity provided in “Company Profile of Asiatic Agro the training and market bridge the global markets for high value Industry Co. Ltd. and Research and through off-take contracts. coconut products. He also spoke on Development on Coconut Food and the assistance provided by the EU Coco-Based Beverage Products” Shri. Samu Turagacati, IACT funded projects informed that from traditional Team Leader and Shri. Tevita package (can), his company is Kete, Export and Marketing Shri. M. M. Abdul Basheer, moving on to new technology Officer (Value-Added Coconut Managing Director, Indo German packaging (UHT). Products), EU-Funded Facilitating Carbons Ltd, Kochi, India spoke on Agricultural Commodity Trade his own success story as Coconut Shri. Benjamin Ripple, Founder/ (FACT) and Increasing Agricultural Processor – Entrepreneur Awardee CEO, Big Tree Farms, Denpasar, Commodity Export (IACT) Project, in India by highlighting his company Bali, Indonesia spoke on the Secretariat of the Pacific profile. He presented some of Company Profile of Big Tree Community, Suva, Fiji presented a company’s credentials upon the Farms, Inc., and Production and paper, ‘SPC’s Achievements on production and product and said Market Trends of Coconut Sugar Value-Added Coconut Products for that IGCL was the largest in Indonesia and in the USA. He the Livelihood and Trade of the manufacturer and exporter of gold highlighted the market opportunities Pacific Islands’. grade activated carbon products of coconut sugar. Further he from the region and their product presented the revenue analysis of Shri. Tevita Kete spoke on the clientele include the three largest copra, coconut sap, and coconut activities of the Pacific Community, an international organization that gold mining companies in the world.

14 Indian Coconut Journal July 2012 COCOTECH

Promoting Replanting and Rejuvenation of coconut gardens for inclusive and sustainable growth

Shri. C R Vijayakumar, Shri. Joketani Cokanasiga, Shri. Le Mamea Ropati Mualia, Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. P. Rethinam, Shri. Romulo N. Arancon Jr., and Shri. M. Thomas Mathew during the farmers’ interface Shri. C R Vijayakumar, that inclusive and sustainable condition of the poor people in the progressive farmer from Karnataka growth in coconut sector is only area by promoting small savings by presented the success story of possible through enhancing rate of starting a bank account and also by Bagyalakshmi Farms. He owns return from unit holdings. He giving trouble free loans to small and 130 acres coconut farm from further detailed on the Replanting needy people in the area. The Bank where he gets an average yield of and Rejuvenation programme has expanded at a rapid rate and 200 nuts from a palm per year. implemented by the Board, the has reached its limit of banking Since the past 11 years he is selling project as well as the modalities of operation and this made the bank only tender coconut. In his garden implementation. He concluded by venture into new non banking he is having 3000 various coconut emphasizing the need for promoting activities. The Bank is now having varieties, 3000 mango trees, coconut based farming systems and more than 11000 members. sapotas, aresanut, teak wood and value addition for the inclusive Dr. P. Rethinam, former various other plants. growth and sustainable Chairman, CDB and former Bhagyalakshmi Farm is one of the development of coconut industry. Executive Director, APCC chaired registered coconut seed grower and For uplifting the poor the session. Shri. Joketani nursery to supply seedlings. Shri. P V Saby, Secretary, Cokanasiga, Minister for Primary Shri. M Thomas Mathew, Senior Kallamkunnu Service Co operative Industries, Fiji was also present Consultant, Coconut Development Bank Ltd. Thrissur spoke on the during the occasion. Board, Kochi spoke on promoting success story of model coconut 60 farmers from across the replanting and rejuvenation of farmers marketing co operative in country took part in the discussion coconut gardens for inclusive and India. The Kallamkunnu Service which followed an interaction with sustainable growth. He affirmed Co-operative Bank uplift the living technical experts.

Farmer’s Interface - A view

Indian Coconut Journal 15 July 2012 COCOTECH

From conference venue to coconut field representatives of coconut growing countries when they were taken to areas of coconut cultivation, industrial production and research activities, as part of field visit. The delegates visited Indo German Activated Carbon manufacturing unit at Eloor, a coconut inter- crops plantation at Kokothamangalam, Cherthala, the Central Coir Research Institute(CCRI) of the Coir Board at Kalavoor and a Coir Mats and Mattings manufacturing unit both at Alappuzha. Delegates during the field visit A demonstration, ‘Friends of Coconut Trees’ on India’s continuing efforts in developing coconut and climbing of coconut trees, was also organized. The coir industries that contribute substantially to its rural delegates, including women, availed the opportunity to economy and foreign exchange earnings, received wide try their dexterity in climbing coconut palm, using the appreciation from a cross section of foreign climbing device. Business meet, to explore the global markets - recommendations of XLV COCOTECH With the objective of exploring collaborative trade traditional consuming countries and European countries between the APCC member countries, a Business including United States of America, the positive inherent Meet with the participants of the 45th Cocotech meeting qualities of coconut have to be popularized. More was convened by the Chairman, Coconut Development clinical studies are required to establish the goodness Board on 5th July 2012 at Kochi. Chief Executive of coconut, particularly coconut oil, coconut milk, Officers from more than 25 National and International coconut cream etc. which could leverage its inherent companies representing various coconut based strength for sustainable growth. The possibility of industries attended the meeting. Chairman in his getting international funding for a project through welcome address informed that the Board would like United States Food & Drug Administration (USFDA) to bring all the stake holders from among the need to be explored to remove the misconception on participants of XLV COCOTECH meeting, to engage the consumption of coconut oil and saturated fatty acids in policy business dialogues with the CDB and other particularly Medium Chain Fatty Acid (MCFA), which agencies in the participating countries. This would is the major constituents of coconut oil. formulate a collective vision and mission as well as It was decided to form a dynamic network for facilitate business to business linkages for mutual exchange of information such as demand for varied benefit and inclusive growth. Chairman said that the coconut products, international and domestic prices, 90 per cent of the global supply of coconut, the raw products availability, export-business opportunities, material for varied coconut products and by-products weather situation in the producing countries etc. is the contribution of Asian and Pacific Region and Representatives from countries like USA, Brazil, hence we should work together in a ‘collaborative Tanzania, Singapore, Kenya, Thailand, Mozambique, competition’ rather than destructive competition. Indonesia, Srilanka, Fiji and Vietnam apart from Indian The participants were of the opinion that the modern delegates participated in the meet and expressed their technologies of product diversification and byproduct optimism for an emerging coconut culture and industry. utilization of coconut currently available across the The meet resolved to entrust the responsibility of co globe would be shared and discussed for adopting them ordination with Shri. M Thomas Mathew, former Chief on a wider perspective. In order to promote the Coconut Development Officer of the Board and the consumption of coconut and its products both in the present Senior Consultatnt of Cocotech.

16 Indian Coconut Journal July 2012 COCOTECH

Global coconut industry - marches ahead

APCC country representatives

A Committee composed of all heads of country 1b.The meeting further recommends that the APCC delegations in APCC member countries and chaired member states adopt enabling policies to promote by the APCC Executive Director formulated the the cluster approach and the formation of Coconut recommendations after deliberating on the issues raised Producer Societies (CPS) following the Indian model in the technical presentations and question and answer to facilitate community development, capacity sessions: building, and provide for an efficient mechanism for technical and logistical support and enhance A. Policy Recommendations for APCC Member entrepreneurship and viable coconut-based Countries: economic ventures. th 1a. Recognizing the relevance of the theme of the 45 2a.Recognizing the stagnant if not decreasing APCC COCOTECH Meeting, the delegates re- productivity of coconut farms, the meeting affirm the importance of putting the small coconut recommends that in order to increase coconut farm farmers and farm workers in the center of productivity, the National Governments of the sustainable development efforts. The meeting APCC member states must support and provide recommends that genuine inclusive economic appropriate budget for a National Coconut growth and sustainable development should include Replanting/Rejuvenation Program including policies and programs whose benefits must be justly intercropping, product diversification and value shared by the small coconut farmers who are at addition with provisions for technical assistance and the bottom of the pyramid. capacity building.

APCC country representatives

Indian Coconut Journal 17 July 2012 COCOTECH

2b.The meeting further recommends that the collaboration with reputable medical research Communiqué issued by the XLVIII APCC Session/ institutions/universities and interested stakeholders Ministerial Meeting in December 2011 in Honiara, including private companies in the APCC member Solomon Islands be widely circulated to create more states, USA, Australia and Europe. awareness, greater advocacy and to gain a critical 5. The meeting recommends that APCC Session/ mass of support from political leaders, policy Ministerial Meeting review and evaluate the makers, investors, farmers and other stakeholders possibilities of strengthening the APCC as an including international donor agencies on the need intergovernmental organization. On this regard, the to accelerate the coconut replanting and meeting further recommends that the APCC rejuvenation program in all APCC member states. Session/Ministerial Meeting may consider a policy 3. Recognizing the technological developments in to allow associate membership of interest groups/ coconut crop improvement through hybridization companies to facilitate synergistic collaboration on and proper selection, the meeting recommends that technical, financial, and other resources to enable the APCC member countries in collaboration with the conduct of appropriate clinical trials in the Bioversity/COGENT adopt a scheme for the importing countries and create a scientific advocacy efficient and effective exchange of germplasm group to promote coconut as a health food. sufficient enough to enable multi portion to support 6. Recognizing the importance of private-led growth, the coconut replanting and rejuvenation programs the meeting recommends that the APCC member in the respective countries. states adopt policies that will promote public-private 4a Recognizing the value of the “advocacy marketing partnership in areas such as the production of hybrid model” as practiced by various coconut product seednuts for the massive replanting / rejuvenation manufacturers in the member states and abroad, programme and complements the efforts of the the meeting re-affirms the need for more government. substantive science-based evidence to support our B. Recommendations for Program / Project claims on the health benefits of coconut oil. Formulation by the APCC Secretariat: 4b.While appreciating the achievements made by some 1a.Recognizing the shifting consumer demands as APCC member states like India, Sri Lanka, influenced by health and wellness concerns of the Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, the meeting majority of buyers in the world market, the meeting also reiterates previous recommendations on the recommends that the APCC continue to pursue need for national policy directions and provisions generic promotional campaigns and trade exhibitions for appropriate budget to support national medical/ in the member states and abroad to promote market nutritional researches and/or clinical trials on expansion and further in-roads of coconut products coconut oil. Multi-country clinical trials may in the mainstream market in the USA, Europe and likewise be pursued by the APCC Secretariat in other major market destinations.

The delegates of XLV Cocotech Meeting

18 Indian Coconut Journal July 2012 COCOTECH

The marketing platform may include coconut practical human resource development programs products as a health food, a super food which can for training of trainors and other stakeholders in be certified as organic and following fair trade the APCC member states. These training programs practices. Other coconut products such as coir fibre must be based on the needs of the member states and coir-based products like coco peat, geotextile, especially in areas relating to good manufacturing coconut shell charcoal-based activated carbon may practices (GMP) in coconut product processing and be featured as environment-friendly with very low value-addition, pest and disease control, good carbon footprint. agricultural practices (GAP), and others. Capacity building programs may also include study-tours and 1b.The meeting also recommends to pursue the exchange visits in areas of interest between and strategies towards collaborative competition in the among the APCC member states. marketing of coconut products and explore further the mutual benefits of Free Trade Agreements 4. Recognizing the value of coconut related (FTA) between and among APCC member states information and the need for efficient technology especially for new and emerging coconut products. transfer of newly developed technologies, new research outputs and up-to-date data and statistics 1c.The meeting likewise recommends that the APCC on prices including the market outlook and price should facilitate the conduct of Business Forums/ forecasting models, productivity levels, export Round table Meetings among coconut product volumes and supplies of various coconut products, processors, exporters/traders and buyers to address the meeting recommends that the APCC current issues. Secretariat continue to publish these information 2. To address the impact of climate change, the through Newsletters, R & D Journals, Posters, meeting recommends that the APCC pursue Brochures, Technical Bulletins, Statistical projects that will demonstrate how coconut farmers Yearbooks, Trade Directories and others. Relevant can mitigate, adopt and cope with the effects of information may also be included in the APCC extreme variabilities in the environment and address website and updated regularly. poverty reduction, economic livelihood, food 5. To address the needs of the Pacific coconut growing security and additional farm family income. This countries, the meeting recommends that the APCC may includes collaborative research on resistant collaborates closely with the Secretariat of the varieties, integrated pest management, exchange Pacific Community (SPC) to conduct market of bio-control agents, carbon sequestration studies surveys an evaluate the economic potential of in coconut and how to avail of carbon credits, and various coconut products including VCO, coconut other technology needs. flour, coir and coir-based products, coconut sugar, 3. Recognizing the need for technology sharing and coconut shell charcoal (CSC) and CSC-based capacity building, the meeting recommends that the activated carbon, coconut water and others. APCC Secretariat design, organize and facilitate

The delegates of XLV Cocotech Meeting

Indian Coconut Journal 19 July 2012 XLV COCOTECH - In the Media

Coconut Festival 2012

The Coconut Festival conducted as part of the XLV Cocotech attracted the visitors with its wide display of various coconut products. Shri. Le Mamea Ropati Mualia inaugurating the theme pavilion of the Board in Coconut Festival Coconut value added products like virgin coconut, desiccated coconut powder, coconut milk, Allied Industries Kolkata, H & G Technomark coconut chips, coconut vinegar, coconut varieties Perumbavoor, Kerala Agriculture University, Thrissur, and handicrafts made of coconut wood and shell Keratech, Thrissur, Pest Control India Ltd, Kochi, were displayed in the coconut festival. Protection of Planters Rights Authority, New Delhi, Precision Farming Development Centre Malappuram, Palm climbing machine, coconut dehusker and Pro-Bi Products,Bangalore, Rubber Board Kottayam, coconut punch cum cutter were also displayed. State Horticulture Misison Thiruvananthapuram, Surya Along with the theme pavilion of the Board, APCC, SobhaThrissur, T&I Global Coimbatore, KERAFED, AMS Pattambi, Directorate of Cashew and Cocoa Thiruvananthapuram, Farm Information Bureau, Development Kochi, CPCRI Kasaragod, Kerala Tourism Development Corporation and Directorate of Spices and Arecanut Kozhikode, Jem Subicsha Kozhikode took part in the Coconut Festival. Coconut Festival COCOTECH

Kerafed State Horticulture Mission Farm Information Bureau

Pest Control India Pro B Products H & G Technomark Inc.

Precision Farming Development Centre Kerala Agricultural University Surya Shobha

Keratech Coconut oil Mfg. Co. APCC AMS, Pattambi

Directorate of Arecanut & Spices Directorate of Cashew & Cocoa Development Development Rubber Board

Protection of Plant Varieties & Central Plantation Crops Farmer’s Rights Authority Coir Board Research Institute

24 Indian Coconut Journal July 2012 Interview

Le Mamea Ropati Mualia – a Samoan Minister with Determination and Commitment Remany Gopalakrishnan

‘Try this recipe – cook two cups Stepping in the age of 70s, Shri. cultivation and value addition for of rice in equal quantity of water- Le Mamea utilized every second of revitalizing coconut industry. put off the flame when rice is half his stay at Kochi fruitfully and Sir, we are very much enthused cooked. Add fresh onion, little enjoyed the days with the spirit of in your strong attachment on spices and one cup of coconut a teenager. Visit to India and Kerala coconut crop. Travelling a long cream and stir. Taste with cocoa was my long cherished wish and distance and taking much pain drink, a diluted form of cocoa paste. that has come true. Cocotech and strain you are here for a week You will feel it as the tastiest food meeting of Asian Pacific Coconut long stay. What was the stressing available on earth’. Community has provided an need for such a move? opportunity for fulfilling my wish. ‘Try another coconut cuisine- Agriculture has been the most mix tender taro leaf with coconut But certainly this is not the end of my desire. I want to avail of the dominant sector in the economy of cream, bake it in banana leaf or Samoa accounting for nearly 90% aluminum foil. A very tasty technologies of this country in preparation common in Samoa is ready’. Are these recipes of a popular chef? Certainly not. These are of the Samoan Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Shri. Le Mamea Ropati Mualia, who was at Kochi for a week in connection with the XLV Cocotech meeting of Asian and Pacific Coconut Community held during 2-6 July, 2012. “There is hardly any food item devoid of coconut gratings or coconut cream in Samoa; Coconut fruit is so dear and emotionally attached to Samoans”- he added. Shri. Le Mamea Ropati Mualia with Shri. T.K. Jose IAS

Indian Coconut Journal 25 July 2012 Interview of total exports and around 60% of and way of life. At the subsistence education, along with many other the country’s total employment. level, harvesting of coconut is less portfolios like land, labour, sports Samoa’s population is around responsive to world price and culture. I made a shift in my 180,000 and about 39% is employed fluctuation, because it is grown as party affiliation in 1986 and joined in agriculture. A gradual and a necessity for consumption and SNDP, the then opposition party. I significant reduction in the share of other domestic uses. Coconut can was opposition leader for a few agriculture in the GDP of Samoa is be intercropped with other crops years. Before long I migrated to my a serious concern. The sector’s such as taro and cocoa. Pasture original party HRPP which is the share in GDP was estimated at under coconuts is also practiced. ruling party still now. 50.8% in 1972, 51.7% in 1978 and Coconut in Samoa are traditionally Could you make any specific 50.5% in 1983. The share of grown without using agricultural achievements as education agriculture sector including fisheries chemicals and can easily be minister of Samoa? in the national GDP has since been certified as organic products. The steadily declined from 50.55% in yield is also reasonably high. As Education Minister I have the 1980s to 22% in 2000 and 10% Coconut products presently the credit of starting the first in 2010. Employment levels in the available in the country are virgin National University of Samoa in sector have also declined over the coconut oil, coconut oil, coconut 1984. It was started with 47 last two decades from 60% in the early 1980s to 39% in 2006. Three major cash crops, namely coconut, cocoa and banana accounted for about 80% of agricultural export during the same period. These crops, if managed well, will have greater impact on food security, poverty alleviation, employment and export growth. Coconut is one of the major cash crops of our small country and it is an integral part of the way of Samoan’s life by providing food, shelter, fuel, home comforts and cash. With the drop in world prices Shri. Le Mamea with his wife and grand children for coconut products in the 1990s, production of coconut and the cream to copra. We want to students and now it has grown to harvesting of coconut declined increase this number by availing the strength of 4000 students. This drastically. The total land area of technologies for developing new is because of the support given to Samoa is 292,588 hectares and 30% products. me by others and of course, my of this is devoted with coconut. confidence and determination also Could you comment on your helped. However, only about 31 % of career and entry in politics? coconut area is actually being Under Education Policy of maintained and harvested. In I started my career as Chief Samoa I gave maximum thrust to absolute terms, out of the coconut Pharmacist in the Health Ministry 100 per cent literacy. I consider area of 90,000 hectares, only 28,000 of Samoan Government and education is the most valuable input hectares are maintained and worked there for three years from for the progress of a country. My harvested by farming communities. 1971 to1973. I took a voluntary commitment has fulfilled and at High density of senility and declining retirement from government service present the country is having 99% yield is also a concern. and entered in pharmacy business literacy out of a population of in Samoa and New Zealand joined 1,88,000. Major reason for Samoans to politics in 1979 by forming a new maintain coconut palms despite the political party HRPP and served We heard about your new poor terms of trade internationally public and attained popular image. initiatives in the field of is due to the open fact that coconut In 1982 I became minister of Agriculture in Samoa. Can you is an integral part of Samoan diet elaborate?

26 Indian Coconut Journal July 2012 Interview

Agriculture Minister of India seeking permission on import of technology has already been faxed instantly during my visit to the office of Coconut Development Board. Thanks to T.K. Jose, Chairman of the Board. The readers of ICJ would be interested to hear about your family. Anything you want to add? I have completed my preliminary class in Samoa. Four year pharmaceutical course was Shri. Le Mamea at the Coconut Festival 2012, Kochi completed in University of Otago, For the first time in the history improvement of livelihood of rural Newzeland. My wife Elisa is my of Samoa, we introduced a Five communities and continuous supply strength and motivation. We run a Year Plan for Agriculture from of raw material to the processing hotel in New Zealand in her name, 2012. Replanting and promoting units are the outcome expected out one of the popular hotels in the city. intercropping and productivity of the scheme. I have 7 children, 2 boys and 5 improvement formed the thrust area Every year October 16, the girls. All were given good education in coconut which is christened as World Food Day, is celebrated by and now all are married and settled. ‘Stimulus Package’. Main objective organizing Karshikamelas, Undoubtedly you are a full time is to promote replanting of coconut competitions, and awareness busy Minister with many as a base crop, intercropped with programmes. Next World Food portfolios. What about other cocoa, coffee and other selected Day will be declared as closed social activities? fruit crops and pastures as a way holiday for schools and will be I am one of the longest serving to increase farm productivity and celebrated as Coconut planting day. politicians in Samoa and I get the thereby increasing farm income and Students will be given opportunity affection and recognition. I am the the standard of living of the rural for planting and nurturing coconut Matai (chief) of 4 villages in Samoa. farm communities. The intention is seedlings with the objective of One of the villages is known by my to replace senile trees which creating awareness on coconut and name. Chief makes the law and account for 25% of the total palm its wonderful benefits to humanity. dictate. There are no police and no population in Samoa, with new Are you optimistic in bringing a legal issues in villages. I am the seedlings. Crops like taro, cocoa bright future for coconut industry chairman of the Finance Committee and coffee and vegetables are in Samoa? of all Christian churches in Samoa. grown as intercrops apart from Yes. One hundred percent I am I am the Chairman of convocation fisheries. Incentive @ 500 Tala of Christian churches. (Samoan currency) per acre is confident. There are 92,656 small extended to farmers who are willing coconut holdings in Samoa, of Samoa became independent in to plant minimum 2 areas. A bonus which 63,144 are active. Above all, 1962 separating New Zealand. But payment is made to the participating intensifying value addition is our there exists a treaty of Friendship, farmers at the end of second, third motto. Our present products kit is the only Pacific country with such and fourth year for the proper having only copra, coconut oil and a treaty prevails with New Zealand. maintenance of the gardens. Cost oil cake. Many more products are Our motto is to push our of coconut seedlings for replanting to be added in the kitty. We are economy to such a level where no and their transportation charge are interested in your technologies for Samoan should feel hungry; they met by the government. Technical virgin coconut oil, packaged tender should get healthy food and push up expertise is given through the coconut water, and coconut vinegar the share of our agriculture in the extension advisory services of the in the first phase. We want to utilize GDP. Ministry of Agriculture and kernel, husk, shell, and water in their Deputy Director, CDB, Kochi-11 Fisheries. Income generation and entire potential. My request to the

Indian Coconut Journal 27 July 2012 Interview

Coconut Ice cream Reigns over American Ice cream Industry Mini Mathew

A Dairy-Free Milk hypoallergenic food and, therefore, is recommended as a nutritious substitute in the diet for those who are “For people who can’t or don’t want troubled by allergies. Forty-three percent of all those to use dairy, coconut milk is a healthy who have food allergies are allergic to tree nuts – alternative. Many people are lactose walnuts, peanuts, almonds, etc. People who are allergic intolerant or allergic to dairy. Some to nuts, however, are not generally allergic to coconut. don’t eat dairy because they are Although it is possible to be allergic to coconuts, vegetarian or prefer not to consume coconut allergy in people with tree nut allergy is milk that has been pasteurized, extremely rare. In fact, only two cases in the entire homogenized, fractionated, or otherwise manipulated world have ever been reported. So people with food by modern food processing. Some people who prefer allergies, particularly nut allergies, can eat coconut and raw foods or don’t drink milk or other dairy products coconut milk without fear. because it has been heated during processing. Regardless of the reason, these people can eat coconut Eating coconut may actually help relieve symptoms milk and still enjoy the “taste” of dairy products. associated with some allergies. Many people have reported improvement in allergy symptoms when they Allergies are a major problem with many people. use coconut regularly in their diets. Part of the reason Over 60 percent of all food allergies are to milk and is that coconut oil helps balance the environment in nuts. The good news for these people is that they have the intestines and heals the intestinal wall – two things an alternative with coconut. While people can be allergic that can significantly influence the occurrence of to any type of food, relatively few people have allergic allergies”. reactions to coconut. Based on medical research and Dr.Bruce Fife. clinical observation, coconut is considered a Naturopathic Doctor Mr. John Tucker, Food Dr.Bruce Fife, Naturopathic doctor financial year from dairy free Scientist and President, Turtle and nutritionist. Dr. Fife, is products. For the last 5 years the Mountain LLC launched ‘So considered as one of the World’s major income of the company has delicious dairy free’ branded leading experts on dietary fats and been obtained from coconut based coconut based products in the oils. Now Turtle Mountain LLC food products (chart1). His passion market in 2008 by getting inspiration company expects sales turnover of centers around product innovation, from aforesaid research findings of Rs103 millionUS $ during current creating specialty foods that meet

28 Indian Coconut Journal July 2012 Interview

The portfolio of Can you briefly explain about the products includes history and activities of Turtle coconut, soy and Mountain LLC? almond based ice Turtle Mountain headquartered creams, frozen in Springfield, Oregon, known by its n o v e l t i e s , primary brand SO Delicious Dairy b e v e r a g e s , Free, was established in 1987. The yoghurt and founder and Chief Executive creams. Officer Mark Brawerman saw a Varieties of void in the market for products that coconut products were dairy-free and at the same time he did not compromise on taste Mr. John Tucker with his wife Ms. Tina include coconut milk, ice cream, and began developing dairy-free frozen dessert recipes. I joined in emerging consumer needs. coconut milk yoghurt, coconut milk Specializing in new product 1999 as Director of New Product asceptic beverage, purely decadent, Development and could build a development, John Tucker has super premium frozen desserts, worked for a number of food dynamic team focused on creating coconut milk greek style yoghurt, a world class dairy free foods manufacturers where he received coconut milk pro-biotic beverage patents and prestigious awards for company. Over the ensuing years etc with brand name ‘So delicious the team’s innovation and outstanding innovations. Because Dairy free’. of his passion towards coconut and determination transformed the coconut based products Asian and The company also develops, company that today is recognized Pacific Coconut Community manufactures and markets as an industry leader in providing (APCC) invited him to present a promotion of Dairy free products of premium dairy-free frozen desserts, paper on his findings in 45th Soy and Almond super premium ice beverages, cultured products and Cocotech meeting held in Kochi cream, purely decadent, soy ice creams. The ‘So Delicious during 2-6th July 2012. delicious fruits, sweetened ice Dairy free’ brand is sold throughout cream, premium soy ice-cream. the U.S. and Canada, and exports Excerpts of interview with product to South Korea and Greek style yoghurts of almond, soy Mr. John Tucker Australia; The company and coconut are prepared more fat experienced significant double digit What are the major dairy free ice free. A pint of ice cream costs 499- growth for the past five years due cream products manufactured 599US$.This is a premium price. by Turtle Mountain LLC to the profit obtained from coconut Company? products only.

Multiflavoured coconut ice cream and milk beverages

Indian Coconut Journal 29 July 2012 Interview

The destiny of the company 2011 sales was mainly driven by its should have to create a ‘Health reached to this level when coconut milk based innovations. Halo’ around coconut. Present Company entered into a strategic Status/Goodness of coconut has to Whether coconut is included in direct-store-delivery (“DSD”) be elevated. For crossing the hurdle American’s diet? What strategy distribution agreement with Nestlé we should pursue the model you have taken for promoting to gain entry to the much larger followed by the California Almond coconut as an ingredient in supermarket channel. An initial Board which is a collaborative American diet? investment from an affiliate of effort with growers of almond Wasserstein & Co. in 2005 provided Nowadays there is a growing shifted consumer’s perception of significant growth capital to trend of including coconut as food almonds as a calorie laden snack establish in-house manufacturing stuff in American diet. Coconut is to a super food. On the same way capabilities and expand sales, emerging from the negative we should have to achieve certified marketing and R&D efforts. These backlash of the 1980’s when it was FDA Health Claim for coconut. partnerships served as a foundation wrongly villified as a leading cause To get the approval of Federal Drug for So Delicious Dairy Free. In of heart disease. Decades later Administration (FDA) of America 2007 the company redefined its coconut is slowly climbing back into there should be concrete evidences mission to become a premiere dairy the American diet where its supported with well-designed free foods company. In 2008, the perception as a whole food is studies conducted in a manner launch of coconut based products gaining attraction. The company consistent with generally expanded the consumer base and promoted health and wellness of recognized scientific procedures the product portfolio. coconut through research findings and principles. FDA is the reigning and clinical studies of Dr.Bruce authority in United States for What is the present status of your Fife, Naturopathic doctor and providing approval for health and venture on coconut based ice nutritionist and Dr.Mary Enig, wellness of a product which is cream industry? American Nutritionist and Bio- approved after public comment. We Growth from coconut milk-based chemist. We promote the current should push coconut to get the (CM) innovations was tremendous. and future growth as a result of approval from Federal Drug Total Company net sales in 2011 shifting consumer demands as Administration (FDA) of America. were increased by 30.4% over health and wellness continue to play Our studies are fragmented. The 2010, driven by coconut milk a strong role in the American diet. studies should be united through the products. 2012 net sales are The misconception on coconut joint efforts of APCC and Coconut projected to be $US88 million, a stating that it comes under Development Board. This is a 50.5% increase from 2011 sales saturated fats which cause heart corporate era. Hence all of us act mainly driven by its coconut milk disease has to be removed. In order together to get the approval from based innovations. Growth to counter mis-propaganda we FDA. momentum is expected to continue over next 5 years which is driven by expansion of coconut milk based into new categories. Why are you taking more interest in coconut based items? I am having a passion towards coconut. My passion centers around product innovation, creating specialty foods that meet emerging consumer needs specializing in new product development. There is a continued growth from coconut milk-based (CM) innovations. Our Chart-1. Gross Sales 2001-2011

30 Indian Coconut Journal July 2012 Interview

In the late 1990’s the Almond Board of California identified the need to promote almonds as a healthful food. Accordingly they presented series of research studies establishing the healthfulness of almonds focusing on the impact almonds have on cholesterol levels. In 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a health claim recognizing that California Almond Board can help consumers to maintain a healthy Mobile road show cholesterol level. The results of the health campaign are reflected in ‘Advocacy Marketing’ model is 1) Dairy-free products are almond milk’s impressive growth in the right way to build our brand. perceived as benefiting a past few years. Football players Drew & Brittany healthy lifestyle. What is the market promotional Brees, the brand ambassodors of 2) Specific health issues (e.g. strategy of Turtle Mountain LLC? dairy free products have been lactose/gluten intolerance, food successfully managing the field for allergies and diabetes). ‘ So Delicious Dairy Free’ has the last few years. 3) Vegetarian / vegan diets and positioned itself through the quality ethical concerns over factory of its products and by exceeding Growth through Health & Wellness farming and other ecological customers’ taste and health issues. expectations. This combination The North American dairy-free 4) Concerns about antibiotics and appeals to the growing population market, which is forecast to hormones in dairy milk products of dairy alternative seekers who continue growing at a strong rate 5) Religious reasons. wish to change their diet without and remain a key growth engine in 6) Nutritional benefits as compromising on taste or quality the broader health and wellness and consumers move from follows the strategy of Advocacy food and beverage markets. treatment to prevention of Marketing Model. Consumers purchase dairy-free health issues. due to several key reasons: Consumer demand for dairy free products is being driven by consumers needs that surround health and wellness. Our company is carrying out market promotional activities through Natural Food Channel and super market channels in America. Natural food channel is creating more awareness. Our marketing activities are through TV, Magazines, participation in retail exhibitions, Facebook and other social media. For the last 5 years we have spent 30 million US$ for carrying out promotional campaigns. Market chain in America Publicity Officer, CDB, Kochi-11

Indian Coconut Journal 31 July 2012 Product

The wonder syrup from coconut Jayashree. A & K. Muralidharan Coconut syrup is a low- quality of which is close to the and Nutrition Research Institute in glycemic, gluten-free and transfat original fresh coconut sap. In open 2007 demonstrates that coconut free syrup. Coconut Sap is tapped pan evaporation the fresh raw syrup and sugar contain higher from cut flower buds of coconut, coconut sap only undergoes slow amount of nutrients, vitamins and located at the crown or top of the dehydration, which involves boiling minerals compared to other coconut tree. The inflorescence of the fresh coconut sap. Once the alternative sugars or sweeteners. the coconut palm tree is tapped and boiling point is reached, the heat is According to the study it has the sweet nutritious sap that flows lowered 80 to 100 degrees greater amounts of nitrogen, from it is collected, filtered and Fahrenheit for the remaining 40 phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, minimally heated under controlled minutes or so. The total cooking calcium, zinc, iron, vitamin C, amino temperatures in order to allow the time is one hour and thirty minutes acids, and micro nutrients. It helps moisture to evaporate until it turns only. balance blood glucose and insulin levels and lowers LDL cholesterol into sweet, golden brown syrup. 5 Coconut syrup can be levels. The test also reveals that to 6 liters of fresh coconut SAP is considered a natural raw food with coconut sugar has a lower needed to produce one liter of most of its original nutrients Glycemic Index (GI) of 35 coconut syrup. retained as such. On boiling for a compared to cane sugar or honey When the coconut inflorescence long period of time, the nutritional which has a Glycemic Index of 50. syrup is allowed to caramelize and value will start diminishing. Coconut syrup has a low Glycemic then cooled, it forms sugar crystals The juices / sap from raw fruits Index of 39. The GI is a ranking which are then pulverized and sifted such as coconut sap are truly the system for carbohydrates based on into fine coconut sugar. This sugar is best way to sweeten the diet the immediate effect on blood unique in aroma and a delicious because they provide the greatest glucose levels. The higher the alternative to any cane sugar used in nutritional benefits. A study number, the greater the blood sugar tea or coffee, desserts, over cereal conducted by the Philippine Food response. Patients suffering from or to give cooking a special note. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) coconut sugar is the single most sustainable sweetener in the world. Coconut sap is transformed into syrup when it reaches 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46ºC). The liquid is 75 percent sugar, pure coconut syrup. The coconut sap must be slowly dehydrated to evaporate its water content and concentrate its sugar content. It can be prepared by two methods: The vacuum evaporator method involves controlling the temperature low to a maximum of 115 degrees Fahrenheit or less. This method will produce a raw coconut syrup, the Desserts topped with coconut syrup

32 Indian Coconut Journal July 2012 Product diabetics and hypoglycemia can Coconut syrup can be used just alternative compared to most syrup highly benefit from coconut sugar like other syrups and honey in available in the market and also to and coconut syrup since these are milkshakes, tea, coffee, as a topper conventional sugar and sweeteners. for ice cream, custards, other sweet of a low Glycemic Index. The The major players in coconut desserts, pancake and bread. It can Philippine Food and Nutrition syrup production are Tropical be made as a paste with cinnamon Research Institute recommends that Coconut Blossom sugar, Germany, powder and spread on breads individuals who suffer from health under the brand name Tropicai, instead of jelly and jam. It can be conditions such as diabetes, cancer, Natural Path Entreprises Organic best partnered with fresh fruits like cardiovascular disease, hypo Products, Toronto, Canada, Coconut strawberries, mango, oranges to glycemia and obesity must maintain Republic’s Coconut Syrup in enhance their tastes, add to a diet that is low in GI index. Using Philippines and Chiwadi Products cocktails and other savory dishes Co. Ltd, Thailand. coconut sugar and coconut syrup on including vegetables. There are a daily basis is beneficial for the hundreds of ways to use coconut *Senior Technical Officer, health of the individual. syrup. Coconut syrup is a healthier ** Director, CDB, Kochi-11 Business Opportunities

COCONUT SHELL CHARCOAL AND VIRGIN COCONUT WOOD COCONUT OIL EXPORTER A company is looking for suppliers of wood of red Production capacity of coconut shell charcoal is 100 coconut and black palmyra (black palm tree) as tons per month or more with the quality of 5-6% lumber/timber/ squares/logs/planks with specification moisture content and 3% ash. Virgin Coconut Oil of the thickness: 20/30/40/50 mm, widths: 5 – 15 cm production capacity is 100 tons per month. Contact (may be 20 cm), or square: 5x5 6x6 8x8 10x10 cm, person: Mr. Joseph Jupiter Pardede Kepala Balai Riset Lengths: 1m+, high + medium density, best quality, and dan Standardisasi Industri Badan Penelitian dan dry (AD+KD). Interesting parties may contact: Mr. Pengembangan Industri Departemen Perindustrian Jl. Mathias Pfeifhofer Email: [email protected] Diponegoro No. 21-23 Manado 95112 North Sulawesi Email: [email protected] ORGANIC COCONUT MILK An Australian buyer has approached Pacific Islands REFINE COCONUT OIL Trade & Invest, expressing interest in importing An ice coating producer from Poland is looking for certified organic coconut milk from the Pacific islands. Refine Coconut Oil. They annually use aprox. 1000 The buyer is currently buying in 20litre containers from MT. Interested parties may directly contact: Mr. Dorota Thailand. Product must be certified organic. Mr. Hoffmann Import Department Terravita Sp. Z.o.o. ul. Jeremy Grennell Pacific Islands Trade & Invest PO Szarych Szerega 48 60-462 Poznan Tel: 48 61 66 88 315 Fax: 48 61 822 19 31 Mobile: 609 479 239 Email: Box 5407 Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia Tel: 612 9290 [email protected] 2133. Email: jeremy.grennell@ pacifictradeinvest.com GRATED COCONUT USED COOKING OIL A trade company, who deal with import-export of A company is looking for used cooking oil. Interested different raw materials, is looking for Grated Coconut. parties may contact: Ms. Fanny Qingdao Aohe Interested parties (Exporting companies) kindly contact Chemical Co., Ltd.Qingdao City Beijing Road 38 Room directly: Mr. Carlos Marin Director of NISA S.A. de 703 China, Tel: 0532-80914722, 13698680232 Website: CV Cancun-Quintana Roo Mexico Tel: 52 998 886 88 www.qingdaoaohe.com Email: sally@ 96 Email: carlos.marin@ gruponisacar.com Office in qingdaoaohe.com MSN: liconghui123@ hotmail.com Uruguay Montevideo Tel: 00 598 2 901 06 36 Source : The Cocommunity

Indian Coconut Journal 33 July 2012

Product

VIRGIN is thy name and HEALTH is thy fame Deepthi Nair S

Virgin Coconut oil is termed virgin because it is pure as white and does not undergo any heating process. It is extracted from the freshly shredded meat of coconut and is not refined or bleached or deodorized. From time immemorial, people in India have extracted virgin coconut oil through traditional methods. It was mainly used for topical application on the soft skin of babies.Virgin coconut oil was known as one of the safest and effective natural body moisturizers available. In Ayurveda this oil was called Urukkuvelichenna since it was made by heating coconut milk.

properties to reduce the intensity of virgin coconut oil is safe for human diseases like Alzheimers, Autism, consumption. It reduces the s technology advanced, Dementia, Aids etc and bring the triglycerides and very low density Amodern methods for the patients back to lead a normal life. lipoprotein i.e., VLDL. It improves manufacture of virgin coconut oil This news is like a boon to such the cholesterol/HDL ratio which were devised without the patients, but only a scientific base means the subjects are less prone application of heat. That made the for knowledge will make it ready to heart diseases. A longer study oil more virgin. Minor components for adoption. spanning 1-2 years is to be undertaken. of Vitamin E were retained through Under the auspices of the the centrifuge method. Virgin Phillippine Coconut Authority, a The recommendation of the coconut oil is composed primarily study is being coordinated by the study is that VCO is to be taken as of medium chain fatty acids or Product Development Manager, a food supplement and not as a triglycerides. Theses medium chain Ms. Dina.B. Masa on the health drug. It is safe for human fatty acids are quickly digested and attributes of virgin coconut oil. The consumption except for people transformed immediately by the matter was presented in the 45th having high cholesterol. It is good body as energy. The saturated fats Cocotech meeting. The primary for normal blood cholesterol. People are good and promotes health. objective of the study is to having hypertension should avoid Lauric acid which is found in the determine the effect of virgin VCO. A 3-Day Food Recall will be nature’s perfect food, Mothers milk, coconut oil on the blood cholesterol made on a monthly basis to track is found is Virgin Coconut Oil. The level of humans. This study has any big changes in the diets of the high lauric acid content also makes much relevance in Philippines participants in the longer study. The it a natural antibacterial, anti viral which stand second in area and third correlation of VCO intake and and antifungal substance. in production of coconut among the exercise will also be considered in Even though virgin coconut oil coconut producing countries. Virgin the next study. Quarterly liver possesses numerous health coconut oil industry is a well ultrasound will be done to closely attributes, it has not reached the established flourishing industry in monitor and addressed the onset of common consumer and people are Philippines. The general fatty liver. observations of the study are that still reluctant to have intake of virgin Once the scientific community virgin coconut oil increased the good coconut oil fearing incidence of proves the above health attributes cholesterol, i.e., HDL, made the heart diseases. World over, many of virgin coconut oil, the potential subjects less atherogenic, less prone studies are undertaken regarding of this crop is going to be immense, the health benefits of this virgin oil. to cardiovascular or the sky is the limit. It is found to have remedial cerebrovascular insult. The preliminary studies indicate that Marketing Officer, CDB, Kochi-11

36 Indian Coconut Journal July 2012 Interview

Keeping ancient wisdom, the way forward for sustainability through her innovation. Sarapee Yuodyong, the She has restructured (molecular Managing Director of restructuring) the coconut cake. Instead of crystal, she has Chiwadi Products Co. Ltd., transformed it into syrup. According Thailand was in Kochi for to her, being syrup is charmful for attending the XLV Cocotech the young generation. This syrup is used in making pancake, roti, Meeting. Sarapee is chapathi, bread, ice cream, tea or following ancient wisdom coffee and in cooking. Coconut coupled with science and sugar is the secret ingredient of Thai recipe says, Sarapee. This syrup technology in designing her carries beautiful, irresistible and products. Excerpts of the delicious aroma. interview with Sarapee. Sarapee is so fond of coconut sugar, She is working with the coconut a good nutrient for human beings farmers and educates them with the used prevalently in Thailand and modern food technologies. She also available plenty in the market. ith a degree in Microbiology teaches them how to preserve the Wfrom Kasetsart University She is working with the mandate raw material, using scientific tools. and a master’s degree in Food of transferring the current They can stay at home and take Technology from Reading traditional wisdom to the next care of their land and environment. University, UK, Smt.Sarapee generation because she believes Farmers are doing it in their Yuadyong spent 26 years in the that in the next 10 years in Thailand household on a community level, of corporate world. She worked for there won’t be coconut sugar any 4-10 people. More than 15 international companies like more. The existing farmers are communities are associated with Cerebos, CPC Aji, and Unilever in between the average age group of her. Her people visit the community Thailand. In 2009, Sarapee decided 50-60 and as the young generation and collect the raw material to her to early retire from Unilever and is not interested in farming or factory. In the factory the product pursue her personal dream and keeping the ancient wisdom. She is is processed and packed in started to work with Baanrimklong trying to restore the ancient wisdom compliance with all quality community in Ampawa in Thailand. of preparing the coconut sugar parameters of GMP and HACCP. Sarapee Yuodyong is now the Managing Director of Chiwadi Products co., Ltd. which is leading the gathering of existing coconut sugar makers in Samutsongkram as the starting point to form organic coconut community network covering Maeklong-Thajean region accounting for 4 provinces viz. Samutsongkram, Samutsakorn, Ratchaburi and Nakhonpathom. Smt. Sarapee Yuodyong with Shri. Esto susanto and Smt. Mida Mityanthi

Indian Coconut Journal 37 July 2012 Interview

The product goes to export markets put sandalwood into the bamboo The other markets are USA and around the world viz., Singapore, container collecting the sap. Canada. Chiwadi is planning to Malaysia, Thailand. The company Sandalwood suppresses develop more modern products with is planning to widen the export fermentation as it is having anti traditional wisdom. Vinegar and market soon to Indonesia and even microbial properties. The collected natural fruit juice sweetened with to India. sap is brought into the community and they will boil the sap in big Chiwadi aims to bring stoves. Chiwadi collects this sap to innovations from grass root level to the factory. The sap is collected the world and also to make natural from the community on a weekly products from natural beings thus basis. In the factory the sap working for the good health of undergoes boiling in accordance to people and their sustainability. The the product specification and quality objective is to form coconut farmers parameters. group, applying organic certificates and create more values of organic Fruii the ready to drink fruit juice coconut products from ancient was the third product launched by wisdom that fit to everyday life and Chiwadi in 2012. This drink in Processing of coconut sugar at Chiwadi the next generation. Chiwadi is various fruit flavours is sweetened palm sugar are the other products reintroducing the product in a with coconut flower syrup. This the company is planning to produce modern manner so as to compete product was awarded with immediately. with other modern products. Innovation Coupon Programme by Chiwadi has made an Industrial Federation of Thailand. Sarapee, basically a food investment of three million Thai technologist is working for food bath and the annual turn over of innovations since the last 28 years. the company during the last year Out of her interest to help was around 5.5 to 6 million Thai community, she is educating the bath. Chiwadi is considering India farmers since the last 3 years. The as a big market, and is optimistic first thing she taught them was to that coconut sugar will be accepted convert food waste, agriculture and here. Sarapee is willing to transfer food industry waste into organic her innovative modern wisdom to fertilizer. Organic fertilizer was the Fruii in various flavours Indian farmers too and is looking first product developed by Chiwadi forward for collaborative projects Chiwadi has changed the life of from food waste and the first in India. According to her farmers of her area. Their life is product itself received award. Community level farming does have secure now. A climber gets Rs. 800 Coconut coir is used as microbial great scope in India and this must per day. Even when the price of raw immobilized bedding agent to be exploited to the maximum. nut goes up and down, the price of ferment food waste as “continuous coconut sugar does not fluctuate. Shri. Esto Susanto and Smt. solid fermentation stove” converting Thus from value addition, the Mida Mityanthi are her partners to fertilizer within 6 weeks. farmer is getting 5 times more than who are looking after the marketing Her second product was his usual income. of the company. Sarapee affirms coconut sugar in syrup form. that Chiwadi live with passion to Chiwadi is selling 80% of its Coconut sugar is a traditional and drive immortal dream in “Natural products in local market and 20% essential thing in every kitchen. Being for Health and is for export. During the next year People are using it during the fasting Sustainability”. the company is planning to export month for breaking the fast. 80% of its products. The biggest (Interviewed by Sona John, Sub Editor and C. Sasikumar, Technical Farmers / tappers are asked to market of Chiwadi is Indonesia. Officer, CDB, Kochi-11)

38 Indian Coconut Journal July 2012 Interview

Sowing the Seeds of Change

Benjamin Brown Ripple is the founder of Big Tree Farms, Indonesia one of the leading global suppliers of highest quality coconut palm sugar. Benjamin was in Kochi to attend the XLV COCOTECH meeting held from 2nd to 6th July. Excerpts of the interview with Ripple.

enjamin Brown Ripple, the It was his passion to learn rely on coconut sugar as their Bfounder and CEO of Big Tree traditional agriculture that prompted primary income. Those 100,000+ Farms, a sustainable supply Benjamin to settle in Indonesia. He coconut sugar producers bring over ingredient company based at is an advocate of organic farming 50,000MT of coconut sugar to Indonesia is focusing to create a too. Benjamin identified the vast market domestically every month. way for food to move from farm to potential of the incredible Over 600,000 ton of coconut sugar user. Since his humble beginning in sweetener; coconut palm sugar. is produced and consumed 1996 in Bali in Indonesia, in just Palm Sugar are the world’s oldest domestically in Indonesia every under an eighth of an acre, this sweeteners with over 6,000 years year. of history and these sweeteners are migrant from America has now Big Tree Farms is having a integrated so completely into both grown himself to be the saviour of separate wing which trains farmers cuisine and traditional healing. the small scale farmers of in organic farming. Initially each Coconut palm sugar produce slow Indonesia. Big Tree Farms has now farmer was making coconut sugar release energy, which sustains the grown over ten acres of land in his own kitchen with the cultivating more than eighty human body through daily activities different crops. From the ‘Zero’ without regular sugar “highs”, and investment, the company has now “lows”. Coconut palm Sugar is grown to 7 million US $. naturally low on the Glycemic Index (GI), which has benefits for weight Ripple is attracted by the control and improving glucose and saying of Mahatma Gandhi on lipid levels in people with diabetes. coconut sugar that nature has The major component of coconut created this product not for sugar is sucrose followed by glucose processing in factories but in and fructose. palm tree habitats. Like Gandhiji he too believe that local When he began his work with population can easily turn the coconut palm tappers over 8 years Benjamin Brown Ripple nectar into coconut blossom ago, the producers were considered sugar and it is a way to solve the some of the most marginalized and traditional technology. But once the world’s poverty. poor in the country. In Java in product was well accepted in the Indonesia, the average area owned Ripple is determined in tripling market and the demand started to by a farmer is one hectare. Around grow, Benjamin felt it essential to the bottom line. He is actively 50 palms are being tapped for involved with the creation of farmer follow food quality parameters to neera. Small farmers themselves comply with the various food organizations, internal control are tappers there. Indonesia systems and organic certificates for standards. Thus the idea of currently has well over 100,000 community processing center came the producers and their product. farmers within its population that to his mind and communities having

Indian Coconut Journal 39 July 2012 Interview

Neera Coconut jaggery Coconut sugar 50-70 members were formed. Big Tree Farms is the leading the other Asia Pacific countries he Ripple says that this is similar to the global supplier of the highest quality has visited; small farmers are not Coconut Producer’s Societies of coconut palm sugar and nectar. getting paid what they deserve for. India. Big Tree Farms is now After introducing the worlds first This is due to the overall reliance working in association with 7500 certified organic coconut palm on the copra industry. Copra is a farmers. The company has sugar to the global market in 2008, commodity with a traditionally executed agreement with the Big Tree Farms continues to be the heavy swing in prices as copra is farmers for regular purchase of the leading supplier for high quality ultimately tied to the prices of other product. coconut palm sugar and now liquid plant oils. This situation is high risk nectar. for farmers and they need to have This brown coloured sticky some form of alternative market for product is converted into granules 100% of the money from their product. He feels that coconut in Big Tree Farms factory which is growing, harvesting and primary sugar is a great opportunity to having most modern equipments. processing of coconut palm sugar diversify away from copra. He is The product is passed through stays in the local communities.
getting numerous enquiries from water jacketed tunnels for Through market access and Indian companies looking to import removing the moisture through production training, smallholder coconut sugar. He is still working evaporation. The remaining process sugar-tappers have risen well above through these to determine which is done manually. The product is the poverty line and are able to earn companies are the best potential poured to big bowls and stirred an increase in personal income of partners. Big Tree Farms would continuously and later on cooled. close to 200%. Coconut palm sugar very much like to build coconut The product which is in crystal form has the single highest potential for sugar manufacturing capacity in now, is dried with dryers. Finally the lifting these farmers into a better India. He is in touch with a few product is packed for retail as well life while creating a net benefit to individuals to see how this may best as for bulk requirements. their surrounding environment. move forward. The company which was CocoHydro is another product Address: producing only 50 kg coconut palm of Big Tree Farms. Coconut water Shri. Benjamin Brown Ripple sugar a month is producing 150 to is evaporated into a powder that Founder and CEO 200 tonnes now. Big Tree Farms is can be easily rehydrated with water. PT. Bening Big Tree Farms also producing sugar syrup from This too is an organic certified coconut water supply chain with Bt. Piakan – Sibang Kaja, neera. 2000 tonne syrup is produced Abiansemal, Badung, Bali, in a year from 12000 tonne neera. over 500 small farmers on the island of Java. Indonesia, Tel.: (62-361) 846 3327 While 90% of the palm sugar is Fax: (62-361) 846 3328 consumed domestically, 90% of the Ripple’s visit to Kerala for the Email: [email protected] syrup is exported. USA, Japan, APCC conference was his first trip Europe and Australia are the major (Interviewed by Deepthi. R, to India. He opines that situation Technical Officer and markets. with coconut in India is not unlike Sona John, Sub Editor, CDB, Kochi-11)

40 Indian Coconut Journal July 2012 COCOTECH

Recollection of my association with Cocotech and Cogent P.K.Thampan Technical Panel of Asian and speaker has spread over three strategy and other related aspects. Pacific Coconut Community distinct phases, 1972-1975, 1987- Such presentations and the (COCOTECH) 2001 and 2002-2003. discussions that followed provided COCOTECH, formed in the First Phase (1972-1975) useful information to all the participants. The technical early seventies, is the Technical I was a participant of the 4th document presented by me was Panel of Asian and Pacific Coconut session of the erstwhile ACC held titled ‘Factors and their Priorities in Community (APCC) on Production in April 1971 at New Delhi as an Increasing Coconut Farm and Research, Processing and observer. My participation was in Production’. This was subsequently Research and Marketing and the capacity of Director, released as an official publication of Research. In the beginning the Directorate of Coconut the community. During the tenure Panel was known as the Permanent Development and Member- of Mr. Reyes I participated in six Panel of the Asian Coconut Secretary, Indian Coconut COCOTECH sessions, two in the Community (ACC). The Development Council. Following Philippines; two in Indonesia; and abbreviation used was my participation in this session I two in Thailand. During one of the COCOTECH which, however, was nominated by the Ministry of sessions in the Philippines Mr Reyes continues to be in use even now Agriculture, Government of India suggested that I write a book on without change. The ACC was as the country representative on coconut covering all modern subsequently renamed as Asian and COCOTECH for a period of three innovations in farming and Pacific Coconut Community years. The nomination was in force processing sectors. I took the (APCC) in 1975. COCOTECH till 1975 and during that time the suggestion seriously and started used to meet once in six months periodicity of COCOTECH writing the book after my return to during the seventies with the sessions was twice a year. My early Kochi. This book titled ‘The periodicity subsequently extended to participation in the erstwhile ACC Coconut Palm and its Products’ once in a year and, presently to session has given me an opportunity was published in 1975 with a atleast once in two years. not only to understand the foreword of Mr. Reyes. In the COCOTECH is an effective forum organizational structure and foreword Mr. Reyes observed ‘- the for researchers and technical functional spheres of the community author of the present book The experts drawn from both member but also to establish a close personal Coconut Palm and its Products countries of APCC and non- relationship with the late Godofredo adopts what I consider is an member countries for discussion P.Reyes of the Philippines, the first essential and practical approach-an and exchange of information on Executive Director. The relationship economic development concept different disciplines of coconut was further strengthened during the based on the realities of Asian industry. In each session a theme one week seminar on Coconut culture and technology. Hence, my of current relevance will be Marketing held at Manila in early hope that this book could lead to discussed, which provides an 1972 in which I was a participant. opportunity for participants to translating into a reality Asia’s My first participation in the become aware of and acquaint expectancy from the coconut COCOTECH meeting was in July themselves with the developments industry-’. After this book was 1972 at Jakarta. In that session the taking place elsewhere in the released, Dr.T.A.Davis who was country representatives presented coconut sector. The theme for the FAO consultant at that time in technical documents as well as discussion is fixed for each session Indonesia visited me and took 50 detailed reports covering the by the previous COCOTECH copies of the book on his return for coconut situation in each country, meeting. My participation in the distributing among the coconut the trends in production and COCOTECH sessions as a country researchers in that country. productivity, the development representative and resource In the COCOTECH session

Indian Coconut Journal 41 July 2012 COCOTECH held at Bangkok during 2-7 June including India. APCC nominated is important to recommend hybrids 1975 the agenda items were me as the consultant for India. for distinct climatic and edaphic discussed by two separate panels, Among the participating countries regions. To facilitate this, hybrid for Production and Productivity and the study in India was completed testing centres are to be opened in the other for Marketing and first and the findings were made different zones using selected Processing. I was nominated available to the APCC in early combinations in farmer’s fields. Chairman of the panel for March 1999. As the findings of the (iv) The Coconut Development Production and Productivity. After study are still relevant, the most Board may encourage private this session there was a long gap important ones are summarized sector involvement in hybrid seed before I could renew my association below: production by extending technical with COCOTECH. This was the (i) Time series data of the yield and financial support. Encouraging last session I could attend during the record of hybrids show that on-farm production of hybrids by tenure of Mr.Reyes. consistently higher yield at the rate farmers is a useful step for the Second Phase (1987-2001) of 15,000 to 20,000 nuts per ha is purpose of enhancing the The second phase of my achievable. This level of production availability of hybrid planting association commenced after Dr. is comparatively much higher than material. For this, technical support P.G.Punchihewa of Sri Lanka took that of the tall variety enjoying the has to be extended to them for over charge as the Executive same agroclimatic conditions and performing emasculation of the Director of APCC. In 1987 a management quality. dwarf palms available in their regional study was sponsored by (ii) The study brought to light the gardens. APCC on ‘New Varieties of obligatory need to grow hybrids (v) The study has convincingly Coconut: An Assessment of under above average management established the economic benefits Experience’, of which I was made care as otherwise the performance of intercropping and mixed farming the project leader for India. The will be dismal. Optimum levels of in coconut holdings. These objective of the study was to assess irrigation and manuring are practices have special relevance in the suitability of new varieties necessarily to be provided for the Kerala where most of the holdings especially hybrids in new planting hybrids to perform as expected. In are small which under and replanting programmes places where this level of monocropping system will not envisaged for coconut farmers in management is not possible, locally contribute significantly to the the APCC member countries. In adapted tall varieties are to be household economy. Integrated India the study covered four promoted for general cultivation. farming involving woody species of southern States viz., Kerala, Tamil For this purpose nurseries for the economic importance, field crops Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil production of quality planting comprising fruits, vegetables, root Nadu. The results of the study were material of recommended tall and tuber crops etc. with or without published by APCC in book form in cultivars are to be encouraged to livestock components generates 1988. Again in 1998 APCC in be set up at local levels under the multiple sources of food, income association with the Bureau for the aegis of Village Panchayate and/or and employment for the members Development of Research on Farmer’s Organizations. of the practising farm families and Tropical Perennial Oil Crops (iii) The hybrids especially T×D also improves the productivity of the (BUROTROP) and the exhibit many undesirable traits palms. It will be worthwhile to International Coconut Genetic under field conditions such as lack promote integrated farming in small Resources Network (COGENT)/ of uniformity in performance, holdings and for which farmer’s International Plant Genetic alternate bearing, leaf drooping, groups may be organized and Resources Institute (IPGRI), now bunch buckling and higher techno-economic support extended Bioversity International, has susceptibility to pests and diseases. to them to stimulate group action in sponsored a regional study under Consequently, farmers hesitate to managing the farming system. the theme ‘Assessment of the grow them on large scale. Research (vi) It is important to promote farm Performance of High Yielding has to bestow special attention to level as well as community level Coconut Varieties/Hybrids and evolve new hybrid combinations processing of coconut products for Varietal Preference of Coconut which are devoid of these value addition. Suitable agencies at Farmers’ to cover 18 countries unfavourable features. Likewise, it different levels may be created for

42 Indian Coconut Journal July 2012 COCOTECH popularizing appropriate processing ‘Environmentally-Friendly Coconut session I had attended. technologies and facilitating and Coconut Products’. In this Dr. Rethinam took interest in the efficient marketing of processed session the presentation I made activities of Peekay Tree Crops goods. The setting up of appropriate was on ‘Environment-Friendly Development Foundation (PTCDF) agencies in the major coconut Coconut in the Background of the and had visited the project site of producing States for technology Social and Cultural Life of People’. the organization at Vayalar in transfer and market promotion will During Dr. Punchihewa’s period Alappuzha district on three stimulate the growth of coconut APCC brought out many occasions. He arranged financial industry and improve its publications on coconut industry. support of APCC for organizing one competitiveness. The books I authored and published Coconut Food Festival in 2004 and During the tenure of by APCC were (1) New Varieties in installing one modern copra dryer Dr.Punchihewa I functioned as the of Coconut-India: An Assessment in the project site. Dr. Rethinam also country correspondent of of Experience(1988,1990), contributed US$2,000 for providing COCOMMUNITY, the fortnightly (2)Coconut Industry in India (1989), support to deserving farmers and journal of APCC. Since 1975, my which was reprinted in India in poor working women in the coir participation in COCOTECH 1990, (3) Processing of Coconut spinning sector in the Vayalar session was after a gap of 15 years Products in India (1993) and (4) Panchayat. The contribution made in the xxviii session held on 22-26 Facts and Fallacies about Coconut by Dr.Rethinam has been utilized to July 1991 in Fiji as a resource Oil (1994,1998) with two Indian institute a 10-year endowment for speaker. The theme of the session editions in 1994 and 2004 the benefit of model farmers, was ‘Small Scale Processing of respectively. enterprising women, meritorious Coconut Products’ and in which my Third Phase (2002-2003) students and poor and destitute presentation was on ‘Small Scale women. This endowment is known After the tenure of Dr. Coconut Processing: Indian by the name ‘Dr. Rethinam Prizes’. P.G.Punchihewa ended, my Experience’. My next participation In 2003 Dr. Rethinam also association with COCOTECH was in the xxxi session held on 18- participated in the 1st International commenced after Dr.P.Rethinam 22 July 1994 at Chiang Mai, Coconut Summit-2003 organized at from India took over charge as Thailand where the interaction was Kochi jointly by PTCDF and Executive Director of APCC. The on the theme ‘Coconut Industry Swadeshi Nalikera Mission. He has session I attended first during the into the 21st Century’. My also arranged the participation of tenure of Dr.Rethinam was the presentation was on ‘Coconut and the APCC Secretariat in the xxxix one held on 1-5 July 2002 in Environment’. I was an observer in exhibition organized on the eve of Pattaya, Thailand. The theme the next meeting held at Kochi on the Summit and has also sponsored transacted in this session was 17-21 July 1995 in which the theme the publication of the proceedings ‘Strategic Agenda to make Coconut ‘Global Competitiveness of the of the Summit. Industry Globally Competitive’. The Coconut Industry’ was discussed. subject of my presentation in this Since 2003 I have no functional I was a participant in the workshop session was ‘A Strategic association with APCC-COGENT. held at Chumphon, Thailand on 29 Development Agenda for Mr. Romulo N. Arancon Jr., the September 1996 to discuss on the Enhancing Income from Coconut- present Executive Director of theme ‘User’s Perspective to Indian Experience’. My next APCC was the chief guest of the Promote Multipurpose Uses and nd participation was in the XL session 2 International Coconut Summit- Competitiveness of Coconut’. In held on 1-5 July 2003 in Colombo, 2007 organized by PTCDF and this workshop the paper I presented Sri lanka. The theme transacted Swadeshi Nalikera Mission at was ‘Need for Suitable Varieties to was ‘New Approaches to Product Kochi. He had also extended Promote Multipurpose Uses of Diversification, Value Addition and financial support for publishing the Coconut’. The last session of Global Marketing of Coconut proceedings of the Summit. COCOTECH I could attend during Products’. The topic I presented International Coconut Genetic the tenure of Dr.Punchihewa was was ‘Micro Financing Scheme for Resources Network the xxxiv one held at Manila, Small Holders towards Poverty (COGENT) Philippines on 14-18 July 1997 to Alleviation and Higher Income’. discuss on the theme COGENT came into existence This was the last COCOTECH in 1992 under the auspices of

Indian Coconut Journal 43 July 2012 COCOTECH

International Plant Genetic Technologies in Vayalar Kochi on 8-10 July 2012. Resources Institute (IPGRI), now Community’ was sanctioned in Except for the Farmer Bioversity International, with the 2002. This project continued to be Participatory Study and Market support of Technical Advisory in operation till the end of 2004. Survey which were organized in Committee (TAC)/Consultative Again in 2006 an ancillary project different parts of Kerala, the Group on International Agricultural ‘Enhancing CBO activities and implementation of all other project Research (CGIAR) and its donors. Microcredit Systems in Coconut components was confined to Subsequent to the formation, Growing Communities in Vayalar’ Vayalar Panchayat. As part of the COGENT established a was sanctioned for one year. ADB-funded project one CBO by coordination unit at IPGRI’s Asia, The objectives of the 2nd and 3rd name ‘Vayalar Community Pacific and Oceana Regional office projects were to test and Development Centre’ (VCDC) was in Malaysia and developed initial demonstrate the technoeconomic registered to represent the people programme priorities and projects. viability and environmental of Vayalar Panchayat. Over 1,000 The priority research areas sustainability of income generating socially and economically poor identified for COGENT were: technologies in the Vayalar households became life members of germplasm conservation and Community. The major components the organization by paying improvement; disease and pest of the two projects were: (1) membership fee of Rs.105 each. By control; sustainability of coconut- establishment of community based extending training support to the based farming systems; post organization (CBO); (2) community members in income harvest handling and processing; identification of marketable coconut generating technologies and by and socioeconomics of coconut products based on market survey; providing microcredit either for production. Among these areas, (3) production and marketing of high strengthening the existing activities Germplasm Conservation and value coconut products; (4) or for exploring better opportunities, Improvement was identified as the production trials of intercropping VCDC had contributed towards most strategic research activity. and mixed farming; (5) propagation creating sustainable income sources Presently COGENT has 39 of farmer’s coconut varieties and in the farming and processing members and a Steering Committee (6) development of farmer’s and sectors and gainful employment comprising country representatives women’s action plans for coconut- particularly for women. VCDC had determines programme priorities based income generating activities. also supported the household food and oversees the different During my association with and nutrition security by COGENT activities. COGENT, Dr.Pons Batugal from encouraging the production of My association with COGENT the Philippines was the Coordinator. multiple foods from each farming has begun in 1998 when an IFAD- A very dynamic and devoted unit. VCDC through an elected funded project ‘Enhancing the scientist, Dr.Batugal had visited the Executive Committee coordinated Income and Employment in the project sites in Kerala and had also and monitored all project activities Coconut Sector through supported the efforts of Peekay within the Vayalar Panchayat. Conservation and Use of Special Tree Crops Development Among the CBOs organized Coconut Ecotypes’ was sanctioned Foundation (PTCDF)to get under the ADB-funded COGENT to Peekay Tree Crops sanctioned one UNDP-GEF-SGP project by different agencies in 24 Development Foundation (PTCDF) Project in 2004. The present communities spread over eight for implementation. The major Coordinator Dr.Roland Bourdeix coconut growing countries in the components of the two-year project had also visited Vayalar Community world VCDC was adjudged the were (1) to conduct a Farmer a few years ago before his new best community by ADB/IPGRI/ Participatory Study in Kerala and assignment and had interaction with COGENT. Accordingly, VCDC (2) to identify diversity related areas the local farmers. I had participated was honoured in 2004 by awarding of economic benefit to small and in four project related meetings of a prize of US$ 2,000 and a marginal coconut farmers in COGENT held in 1999 and 2004 in certificate of appreciation. Kerala. Following this, a second Vietnam; 2003 in Davao, *President, Peekay Tree Crops project funded by ADB entitled Philippines; and in 2006 in Bogor, Development Foundation, Gandhi Nagar, ‘Developing Sustainable Coconut Indonesia. I was an observer in the Kochi-682 020, E-mail: pkthampan@ Based Income Generating Steering Committee meeting held at yahoo.com

44 Indian Coconut Journal July 2012 Breeding

Coconut Breeding Initiatives in India and Sri Lanka Remany Gopalakrishnan MATA n Sri Lanka a crop improvement employment generation in the Exploitation of Hybrid vigour programme in coconut is on, country and provides livelihood I India was the first country to where farmer himself becomes the security to many. The sector also exploit heterosis or hybrid vigour in coconut breeder, a novel approach plays a vital role in sustaining a coconut. It was by J.S. Patel in 1934 that could be considered for viable economy at village, district, who had attempted this by evolving adoption by India at the grass root regional and national level. a TxD hybrid. This was a level. Sri Lanka is attempting to In technology development in the breakthrough in crop improvement such a step with a view to increase processing sector Sri Lanka is one studies in coconut. Patel observed the production of quality seedlings of the leading coconut producing early germination, increased consequent to the need for high countries in the world. Desiccated seedling collar girth, higher leaf yielding planting material of coconut coconut, Coconut milk powder, number, early bearing and high yield and also to evolve a suitable cultivar coconut cream, coconut water in the progenies of a cross between or hybrid appropriate to the needs beverage, toddy, treacle and jaggery the local tall and the local dwarf. of the urban areas. The country is are the available products in the So far more than 100 cross in dire need of quality planting edible product basket kit, and coir combinations have been developed material. briquettes, cut pieces of husk, in the country for evaluation of yield Coconut is grown in 3.94 million geotextiles, shell charcoal, and potential at Central Plantation ha in Sri Lanka covering all districts activated carbon are the non-edible Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), in the country and the crop is next products. Most of these products State Agricultural Universities and to rice in importance. Coconut as a figure in the export sector of Sri the centers under the All India food supplement to Sri Lankans Lanka. Export revenue derived Coordinated Research Projects provides 15 % of dietary calories from desiccated coconut alone was under ICAR. Already 15 hybrids and 5 % protein. Five per cent of Sri Lankan Rs. 13,957 million while have been released for cultivation Sri Lankan population depends on the net foreign exchange earned in different states of the country. this crop as the main source of from export of coconut products in Sri Lanka made its kick start in income. The coconut sector 2011 was Sri Lankan Rs.47,306 coconut breeding in 1960s. One contributes significantly to the million (CDA 2011). TxT and DxT combination viz.,

Indian Coconut Journal 45 July 2012 Breeding

CRIC60 and CRIC65 were later named as Sri Lanka Brown etiological studies confirmed the developed which subsequently led Dwarf(SBD). Evaluation and disease of phytoplasma origin. Root to the establishment of seed gardens characterization of this variety wilt disease still evades a perfect for the mass production of seedlings showed that it was superior to other control measure. But the production to cater to the demand of high forms of dwarfs in the country in and productivity can be improved yielding planting material. Presently terms of nut number, kernel weight through proper management more than 50 per cent of seedling and tolerance to moisture stress. strategy. CPCRI has evolved requirement is met from these Therefore, crosses between Brown different effective management combinations. Two more hybrids Dwarf x Sri Lanka Tall, its strategies to contain the disease and were evolved in 2004 by crossing reciprocal and Brown Dwarf x San to improve productivity of root wilt Sri Lankan Tall x San Ramon Ramon were made in 2003 with the affected palms and gardens. (CRISL98) and Sri Lankan Green objective of evolving other high Breeding for root wilt disease has Dwarf x San Ramon (Kapruwana). yielding coconut hybrids with added resulted in a high yielding disease A seed garden for the production qualification of high nut number and tolerant hybrid variety with of Tall x San Ramon alone was efficient water utilization. The Chowghat Green Dwarf as the subsequently established for mass hybrids were planted in four multi- female parent and West Coast Tall production of this particular hybrid. locations during 2004 and 2005 (WCT) as the male parent. This has India maintains the world’s largest representing different agro- been evaluated and released for the repository of coconut germplasm ecological zones and in different soil root wilt affected tracts under the with 400 collections (consisting of types. These trials are in the 9th year name Kalpa Sankara. Chowghat 268 indigenous and 132 exotic and the recorded data has Green Dwarf (CGD) and Malayan types) from 28 countries covering reportedly shown that crosses Green Dwarf (MGD) have been South Asia, South-East Asia, involving brown dwarf are evaluated as root wilt resistant/ Caribbean Islands, Indonesian promising and new coconut hybrids tolerant varietiesand have been Islands, Pacific Ocean Islands, will be released to the growers in released by the institute for African countries, Bangladesh and near future. cultivation in the root wilt affected Sri Lanka. Conservation and tracts under the name Kalpasree Breeding for Resistance utilization of coconut biodiversity and Kalparaksha respectively. have resulted in development of 32 In India root wilt disease was Phenotypically healthy palms improved varieties, including 15 first reported in 1882. The exhibiting tolerance to root wilt has coconut hybrid varieties. The International Coconut gene bank for South Asia established at Kidu (Karnataka) is conserving 90 designated accessions. In Sri Lanka systematic collection and conservation of coconut germ plasm programme initiated in 1983 which was intensified in 1994 and steps were taken to introduce exotic coconut germplasm from other coconut growing countries including India in 2002-2004. Under the germplasm collection programme, Coconut Research Institute Sri Lanka identified a new dwarf with brown colour nuts, petioles and Sri Lankan Green Dwarf Sri Lankan Green Brown inflorescence in 1998 which was

46 Indian Coconut Journal July 2012 Breeding

Chawghat Green Dwarf Chawghat Yellow Dwarf

Sri Lankan Red Dwarf Sri Lankan Yellow Dwarf also been located in hot spot areas observed lower susceptibility of Sri recorded the tolerance. The of the disease. Farmers collect Lanka Green Dwarf to the seedlings of different varieties seednuts from such ‘Elite’ palms. WCLWD similar to The Chowghat expressed disease symptoms. The Green Dwarf in India. Further a data are being collected to compare In Sri Lanka a serious outbreak survey done in the area showed that the resistance/susceptibility of the of phytoplasma disease similar to there were resistant Sri Lanka Tall cultivars planted. Under the second root wilt in India, hit the coconut palms among the disease affected experiment a breeding programme population in the southern province hotspot areas similar to Elite palms was conducted between healthy Sri of the country in 2006. Named after in root wilt hot spot areas. Lanka Tall (SLT) from the hotspot the first place of noticing the Therefore two experiments were area and Sri Lanka Green Dwarf incidence, as Weligama Coconut planned and initiated first to screen previously identified as disease Leaf Wilt Disease (WCLWD), this the available coconut cultivars for resistant, on par with the research disease has changed the direction tolerance to WCLWD and second carried out in India for developing of the breeding programme. to develop resistant hybrids Kalpasankara. Seedlings produced Developing WCLWD resistant between resistant tall palms and from these crosses will be evaluated coconut cultivars with the use of green dwarfs. Under the first in the field for the confirmation of tolerant ones has been identified as experiment the coconut varieties/ the disease resistance. the most appropriate and sustainable hybrids and cultivars were planted approach to manage the disease. When infestation of coconut in the disease hot spot areas and The preliminary observation mite became a serious menace in

Indian Coconut Journal 47 July 2012 Breeding

Sri Lanka in late 1990’s causing coconut planting is getting reduced. significant loss of yield, and when Sri Lanka currently has four local chemical and biological control dwarf forms, viz., green, red, yellow measures were not very much and brown and two exotic forms, effective, a breeding programme Cameroon Red Dwarf and was started to evolve mite tolerant/ Brazilian Green Dwarf. In India all resistant coconut cultivars as the available dwarf formssuch as best possible sustainable answer for Chowghat Orange Dwarf (COD). coconut mite. In a study conducted Chowghat Green Dwarf (CGD), at CRISL, coconut varieties, Gon Malayan Yellow Dwarf(MYD), thembili (GT), Sri Lanka Yellow Malayan Green Dwarf(MGD), dwarf (SLYD) and San Ramon Malayan Orange Dwarf(MOD), Kalpasankara - a cross between CGD (SR) were found presumably less and Gangabondam (GB) are being and WCT susceptible to coconut mite. Thus utilized as male or female parent in hybridization through skilled these coconut varieties were hybridization programme. COD has pollinators. This is in the context recognized as prospective parents been found to exhibit a certain that hybrid seedling production from for developing new cross degree of resistance to mite Government farms does not satisfy combinations for evaluating in mite infestation and this cultivar has been the growing need of the farming infested areas to identify a new mite released as a variety suitable for community. Many academic resistant/tolerant cultivar. Further it tender nut purpose. institutions in Kerala, Tamil Nadu has been reported that the round and Karnataka and a few NGOs In India crossing Dwarf x shaped nuts are less susceptible to have come forward to undertake Dwarf is also experimented and mite and hence Brazilian Green research project. It is expected that progenies have been planted in Dwarf was also used in the hybrid seedlings from such project research stations for evaluation. Sri breeding programme. The crosses, will be available by 2013/2014 Lanka is also testing the GT x BGD, SR x BGD, DY x GT, planting season. Emulating the Sri performance of DxD for evolving SLT x BGD and BGD x GT were Lankan programme India can also a suitable cultivar for home gardens conducted under this programme involve farmers in such programmes to satisfy daily culinary house hold and field trials are progressing to where farmer becomes the breeder. needs. A crossing programme was evolve mite resistant varieties. Our farmers should also rise to the initiated in 2008 and progeny occasion considering the need of The Magic Dwarfs planted in 2009. Two Urban the hour. Coconut breeders all over the Schemes are in vogue whereby 2- world till recently have mainly 3 dwarf seedlings are supplied to References: considered dwarf forms of coconut house holders for planting in their Gunathilake HAJ and Gunasena as combiners for production of limited land space for field testing HPM, 2012. Technological inter-varietal hybrids. This attitude the DxD hybrids. Here farmer or Developments on Crop is slowly getting changed in many house owner himself becomes Improvement, oconut coconut growing countries. Dwarf coconut breeder for experimenting. Agronomy/Nutrition, and coconuts have many useful Coconut Development Board in Coconut Based Farming System attributes such as prolific bearing, India has initiated a collaborative in Sri Lanka. Paper presented and short stature by making easy research for increasing the in XLV Cocotech meeting at for plucking fruits. Therefore, if a availability of hybrid seedlings of Kochi, India during 2-6 July, dwarf coconut variety can be various combinations through 2012. improved to produce nuts of academic institutions where post George V. Thomas, 2012, Coconut reasonable size to satisfy domestic graduate courses in botany, Zoology Research at CPCRI - culinary need while keeping its or biotechnology are available. Progammes, Achievement and smaller stature, it has a great Colleges can identify mother palms Perspectives, XLV Cocotech potential for small home gardens in of desirable Dwarfs in farmers’ Souvenir 2012. urban areas where space for fields and can carry out Deputy Director, CDB, Kochi-11

48 Indian Coconut Journal July 2012 NEWS

COGENT to set up international thematic group on coconut genomics coconut genetic resources in the member countries. The 16th COGENT steering Committee meeting at Kochi constituted of 10 technical sessions. Focused recommendations were finalized for shaping research on coconut conservation and utilization in the 39 COGENT country members. The meeting also recommended to involve the ICGs across the world, in Papua New Guinea, Brazil and India to collect and conserve Dr. George V. Thomas, the new Chairman of COGENT receiving certificate the crucial traditional coconut from the Former Chairman diversity in the Polynesian region, The 16th steering committee Dr. George V Thomas, Director, threatened by genetic erosion and meeting of Coconut Genetic CPCRI is the elected Chairman of climate change threats and also to Resources Network (COGENT) the COGENT Steering Committee develop international collaborative held at Kochi from 8th to 10th July Meeting (SC), for a period of two projects for different aspects of 2012 decided to set up an years (2012-2014). Dr. Kouassi coconut improvement viz. breeding international thematic group on Allou of the Marc Delorme for new varieties with high yield coconut genomics under the Research Institute, Cote d’Ivoire and tolerance to pests and diseases. leadership of India. The objective was the chair of the COGENT SC. is to sequence coconut genome and The SC is the main decision making Retired develop tools for improvement of body of COGENT, representing 39 coconut varieties. International coconut growing countries. collaborative projects would also be organised for evaluating dwarf The COGENT SC comprises varieties and to develop tender nut of 13 members with two varieties. representatives each from the five major coconut growing regions, Representatives from 14 including the representatives of the coconut growing countries besides regional ICGs at Indonesia (SE representatives of Asian & Pacific Asia), India (S. Asia), Brazil Smt. Cicily George, Finance Coconut Community(APCC) and (Caribbean), Cote d’Ivoire (Africa Officer, retired from the service of Bioversity International attended and Indian Ocean) and Papua New Coconut Development Board on the meeting. The meeting decided Guinea (Pacific Ocean), Asian 30th June 2012. She joined the to develop international Pacific Coconut Community, erstwhile Directorate of Coconut collaborative projects on breeding Secretariat of the Pacific Development in August 1970. She new varieties tolerant to pests and Community and the COGENT was promoted as Junior Accounts diseases and tender nut water with Coordinator. The SC plays a pivotal Officer in January 1989 and as a view to enhancing the earning role in prioritization and Finance Officer in December 2009. capacity of coconut growers and implementation of projects She has served the Board for 42 stepping up export of value-added pertaining to conservation, years. coconut products. characterization and utilization of

Indian Coconut Journal 49 July 2012