Dear Editor,
I hope that we can all see the value inhering in the reality that “Guyana (is anticipating) 1,000 acres of coconut production this year.” This means that in time, Guyana can be a big part of the Global Coconut Market, whose size was valued at USD 18510.92 million in 2022, but is expected to expand at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 13.56% during the forecast period, and thus, reaching USD 39703.85 million by 2028. So, Guyana is on a good ‘coconut’ drive, as “… the country continues to produce coconuts on a large scale, to make it one of the most significant crops in the nation as a result of the sector’s diversification.”
Looking back, this year alone, Guyana received some 13,000 high-yielding Brazilian green dwarf coconut seed nuts at a cost of $12 million to expand coconut production, and according to Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, “… Guyana is in the process of bringing in another 13,000 coconuts, specifically since nurseries are being constructed across Guyana.” Editor, maybe it is time to inform the public on what is taking place coconut-wise across the world, in terms of awareness. First it is common knowledge that coconut milk products are growing in popularity across the globe, as a result of growing consumer concern over animal health and the rise in the number of people who cannot tolerate lactose. Increased awareness, the impact of the pandemic, expanding product portfolios, and increased research & development are factors propelling the global coconut products industry. Guyanese must understand this and help push the coconut industry in the country.
Then, we all know that coconut oil is increasingly being used by cosmetic industries to create soaps and oils for hair and skin care. Due to its moisturizing properties, coconut oil-based personal care products are gaining popularity in the personal care industry. The market for coconut products is expected to grow over the coming years as a result of the massive demand for coconut oil in cosmetics and its increasing popularity in food applications. Here again, knowing these ‘coconut’ facts, we have to ‘cash-in’ and make use of our land, as the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government is investing heavily in this sector. I note that the word is quite good, as the minister detailed that “We have seen an increase of over 5,000 acres in coconuts since we assumed office in August 2020. This year, we are hoping that we can achieve another 1,000 acres. And this came about because we have seen a great interest in the coconut industry.” The forecast seems great as already there are “… 10 coconut nurseries spread across Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Six, Nine, and 10, and the PPP/C Government intends to expand the initiative to other regions due to the excellent potential for coconuts.” Can anyone doubt that we do indeed have the potential?
The second thing on my mind is that coconut lend itself to so many by-products, as components of the waste materials are now being used in the agricultural sector for mulching and other agriculture-related purposes, including actual coconut cultivation. In this vein, the foresight of the Agriculture Head is to be applauded. He explained that “We have also brought in these fibre machines where we are now using the byproduct of coconuts, and we are helping farmers’ groups across the country by making it available where they are using the husks for several purposes…A lot of by-products will be created from coconut. The industry is well poised.” Then on the actual science of the industry, two specialists from India who recently visited Guyana conducted a study and a report was compiled. This report will sure help in fine-tuning the industry. I hope we know that India has a specialized agricultural authority to support and maintain exports and domestic output. In India, there is the Indian Coconut Development Board, whose job is to strive to promote the integration, diversification, and sector productivity of coconut products. No wonder, the Asia Pacific region continues to drive market revenue growth due to climatic advantages and development resources. Guyana can only benefit from this kind of backing.
Sincerely,
HB Singh
