coconut cultivation

 Agriculture in Sri Lanka

let's learn about coconut cultivation

INTRODUCTION

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) plays a significant role in the agrarian economy of Sri Lanka. Apart from the importance of copra and coconut oil which is widely used in the manufacture of soaps, hair oil, cosmetics and other industrial products, the husk is a source of fiber which supports a sizable coir industry. The tender nut supplies coconut water, a popular thirst quencher of health and hygienic value.

Sri Lanka is the world’s fourth highest coconut producer with over 394,000 hectares being cultivated.(Indonesia, Philippines and India are ahead of Sri Lanka, while Thailand is in fifth place.)Sri Lanka and Thailand account to 95% of the world’s fresh coconut export market.Sri Lanka is the world’s second largest desiccated coconut exporter after Indonesia.Sri Lanka’s coconut harvest is low since only around 8 to 10 percent use fertilizer. To overcome this, under the ‘Mahinda Chintana’ the government invests Rs. 2,300 million annually for coconut fertilizer subsidy. Weligama coconut plight was first spotted in 2007 and to  date 38,200 acres

History states that the first coconut tree was planted in Weligama and it's also ironic that a incurable Coconut wilt disease has come to light in this same area, threatening the existence of coconut plants in the area.

Distribution

Coconut is grown in more than 80 countries of the world with a total production of 49 billion nuts. India occupies a predominant position in respect of production of coconut in the world. The shares of coconut growing countries in production are: Indonesia (25.7%), Philippines (23.2%), India (23%), Sri Lanka (4.4%), others (13.7%) and other APCC countries (10%). The productivity of the crop is the highest in India with 7572 nuts/ha.

Traditional areas of coconut in India are the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal, Pondicherry, Maharashtra and Islands of Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar. Non-traditional areas are the states of Assam, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Tripura, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

Agro - climatic requirements

The coconut palm thrives well under an evenly distributed annual rainfall ranging from 1000 mm to 3000 mm. The palm requires an equitable warm and humid climate neither very hot, nor very cold. The mean annual temperature for optimum growth and maximum yield is stated to be 27 degree Celsius with a diurnal variation of 6 0C to 7 0C. The coconut palm thrives well up to an altitude of 600 m MSL.

The coconut palm can tolerate wide range of soil conditions. But the palm does show certain growth preferences. A variety of factors such as drainage, soil depth, soil fertility and layout of the land has great influence on the growth of the palm. The major soil types that support coconut in India are laterite, alluvial, red sandy loam, coastal sandy and reclaimed soils with a PH ranging from 5.2 to 8.0.

Selection of Site :

Shallow soils with underlying hard rock, low lying areas subjected to water stagnation and clay soils should be avoided. Proper supply of moisture either through well distributed rainfall or irrigation and sufficient drainage are essential for coconut

 

Preparation of Land :

Size of the pit depends on the soil type and water table. In laterite soils large pits of the size 1.2m X 1.2m X 1.2 m may be dug which are filled with coconut husk for moisture conservation. The husk is to be burried in layers with concave surface facing upwards. After arranging each layer, BHC 10% DP should be sprinkled on the husk to prevent termite attack. In laterite soils, common salt @ 2 kg per pit may be applied, six months prior, on the floor of the pit to soften the hard pans.

Spacing and Planting :

In general square system of planting with a spacing of 7.5m to 9 m is practised. This will accommodate 177 to 124 palms per hectare. Planting the seedlings during May with the onset of pre-monsoon rain is ideal.

Varieties :

The tall varieties are extensively grown throughout India while dwarf is grown mainly for parent material in hybrid seed production and for tender coconuts. The tall varieties generally grown along the west coast is called West Coast Tall and along the east coast is called East Coast Tall. Benaulim is the tall variety grown in Goa and coastal Maharashtra.

Laccadive Ordinary, Laccadive Micro, Tiptur Tall, Kappadam, Komadan and Andaman Ordinary are some of the tall varieties.

Chowghat Dwarf Orange, Chowghat Dwarf Yellow, Chowghat Dwarf Green, Malayan Yellow Dwarf and Malayan Orange Dwarf are some of the dwarf varieties grown in India. Gangabondam is a semi tall type grown in certain tracts of Andhra Pradesh. Many hybrid combinations of tall and dwarf are also grown in the country

.

Variety/Hybrid	Yield Nut/Palm/ Year	Copra Content g/nut	Oil Content %	Oil Yield t/ha.
Indigenous
West Coast Tall	81	176	68	1.69
East Coast Tall	86	100	63	0.96
Banavali Green Round	151	151	68	2.74
Kappadam	90	283	67	2.99
Exotic
Fiji Tall	106	199	65	2.41
Philippines Ordinary	108	196	66	2.65
Chandrasankara (COD X WCT)	98	208	68	2.47	Chandralaksha (LO X COD)	99	195	68	2.31
Lakshganga (LO X GB)	108	194	73	2.47	Keraganga (WTC X GB)	100	201	69	2.48
Anandganga (AO X GB)	95	216	68	2.47	ECT X Gangabondam	140	150	68	1.69

 Manures and Fertilizers :

FYM at the following rates may be applied :

Year	FYM (kg/plant)
1	40
2	20
3	25
4	30
5	35
6	45
7 onwards	50

Fertilizers may be applied at the following rate (g/plant) :

Year

Nutrients	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8 onwards
N	150	200	250	300	350	400	450	500
P	200	120	170	220	270	320	370	400
K	300	400	500	600	700	800	900	1000

Irrigation

Under basin irrigation, 200 l/ palm once in 4 days will be beneficial. In areas where water is scarce drip irrigation or pitchers irrigation can use for water supply.