MANILA: The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has announced a significant investment of PHP1.5 billion aimed at fertilizing approximately 55,000 coconut palms in 2025 as part of the Coconut Fertilization Project. The initiative seeks to enhance yield and income for coconut farmers through the application of agricultural-grade salt fertilizer and organic compost.
According to Philippines News Agency, PCA Administrator Dr. Dexter Buted outlined the project’s components during the second Salt Congress, emphasizing the rehabilitation of low-bearing mature palms. The project will use agricultural grade salt fertilizer (AGSF) and compost produced from biodegradable waste to improve soil conditions. Incentives will also be provided for the production of compost. The project requires a total of 2.12 million 50-kilo bags of AGSF and 375,000 50-kilo bags of organic fertilizer.
The provincial government of Pangasinan, alongside the local government of Dasol and the Dasol Salt Makers Association, will contribute to th
e supply of AGSF, providing 4,180 and 5,000 bags respectively. The initiative aims to increase coconut yields by at least 25 percent over the next five years and boost farmer income by 10 percent or more.
Coconut production in the Philippines experienced a slight decline in 2023, attributed to the El Niño phenomenon, with output recorded at 14.89 million metric tons. This was a decrease from the 14.93 million metric tons produced in the previous year. In preceding years, 589,700 coconut palms were fertilized in 2022, followed by 1.74 million in 2023.
Dr. Buted projects that the coconut fertilization project will increase production to 2.9 billion nuts, generating PHP20.8 billion in income by 2026, and reaching 3.98 billion nuts or PHP24.9 billion in income by 2027. The country currently has 3.6 million hectares of coconut plantations, housing 340 million coconut trees and supporting 2.5 million coconut farmers. The project is also expected to provide benefits to the local salt industry.
