After three decades of decline, the coconut sector is being revitalised, a move set to significantly impact this country’s economy and food security.
On Monday, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, in collaboration with the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and the European Union, held a ceremony to distribute the Brazilian Green Dwarf Coconut to farmers.
Agriculture Minister Ravi Ratiram hailed the ceremony as a timely intervention and proof of the government’s commitment to revive strategic agricultural industries, ensuring that they remain at the centre of Trinidad and Tobago’s food security.
“Internationally, the coconut water market was valued at approximately US$4.4 billion, with projections indicating that it will surpass US$11 billion by 2030. Beyond beverages, coconut oils, flour, milk, fibre, and personal care products continue to experience strong global demand, driven by consumer preference for natural, plant-based goods.”
Minister Ratiram noted that despite its cultural, economic, and historical weight, the coconut industry, both locally and in the region, has faced a steady decline for three decades, while farmers have been met with significant constraints.
“Many estates built in the 1950s and 70s were never replanted at scale, leaving farmers with tree populations that simply could not meet growing market demands for coconut water, coconut oil, and value-added products. As a result, Trinidad and Tobago today consumes more coconut products than it produces.”
According to CARDI Director Ansari Hosein, a series of activities have been launched to improve the coconut industry across nine countries in the Caribbean, which include pest control training and the rollout of a coconut seed garden.
“In two years from now, or less than two years from now,, these seed gardens should produce about 45,000 nuts per year. This is enough to plant 4,500 acres per year with superior genetic material.”
With improved access to quality planting material and training, over 150 farmers are ready and equipped to revitalise the coconut sector, one seedling at a time.