September 25, 2018 A PUBLICATION OF Government Advertising Agency Telposta Towers, Kenyatta Ave/ Koinange Street P.O Box 30025-00100, Nairobi Kenya NAIROBI-KENYA I Issue No. 0087 Telephone: (+254) 4920000 / 1 E-Mail: info@information.go.ke Oil, wine, mulch and more: The many uses of coconut tree Stella Katini, a Research Scientist at Kenya Agriculture and Research Organisation (Kalro’s) Crop Research Institute in Mtwapa, takes us through a ‘surgery’ of the coconut tree and its products. Stories like these are covered in an upcoming book on AgroInnovation by the Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board. Agro-Innovation Transforming agriculture toward sustainable development BY KYEB T he mention of a coconut brings various thoughts in one’s mind. There is the imagination of the massively tall tree, coconut oil or a cold coconut drink. Well, just as these thoughts, there is so much that can come from a coconut tree. We sought from Kalro experts on various ways that the coconut products can be processed to make various end products for economic development. Seemingly, there is almost nothing that should be counted as waste from this tree. The possibilities are as high as its height. After planting a coconut tree, the maturity age is dependent on which variety you plant. The shorter variety also known as the dwarf coconut tree, matures at three years. The taller, also known as the East African Tall variety, takes two years longer, to mature at five years. Stella Katini, a Research Scientist at Kenya Agriculture and Research Organisation (Kalro’s) Crop Research Institute in Mtwapa, takes us through a ‘surgery’ of the coconut tree and its products. At the flowering stage, you can simply cut the bud, and tap its liquid content. The content is then fermented to make traditional coconut wine, commonly known as ‘mnazi’. Mnazi drink is especially common in Coastal Kenya and is an integral part of many traditional ceremonies. If you do not want to associate yourself with wining, worry not. You simply wait for the second flowering, when the fruits’ shape starts to form. At this stage harvest your fruits and sell as coconut water, commonly known as madafu for a refreshing and nutritional non-alcoholic drink. The other alternative is to harvest mature nuts. And you do not have to sell them. A single coconut tree can bear between 75-150 fruits annually, depending on orchard management and rainfall or availability of water. You can specialise in seedlings production. To produce seedlings, simply cut the coconut fruit’s head After planting a coconut tree, the maturity age is dependent on which variety you plant. The shorter variety also known as the dwarf coconut tree, matures at three years. and put it under the soil to germinate. This should be done without removing the husks. However, seedlings production is recommended from trees that have certain characteristics such as those that are mature; aged 30 years and above. The mother trees should be of high yield, high growth vigour and resistant or tolerant to pests and diseases. Coconuts can be sold as fruits at this stage. However, as a farmer, take time to dehusk your fruits. You have an opportunity to earn from both the husk and the fruits. The husk is used for mulching especially in flower farms. Besides, it also helps in improving soil fertility. Coconut husk fibre is also used in making things like door mats, ropes among others. And although you may, you do not have to sell the fruits. There are various ways to add value to your coconut fruits. You can crack it, and sell the liquid inside as coconut water. Remove the white meat of the coconut, also referred to as copra and grate it to process Fruits that a single coconut tree can bear annually, depending on orchard management and rainfall or availability of water. 75-150 coconut oil, or coconut milk. After pressing, sell the granules as coconut powder or process it further to make coconut bars for consumption. The shells too are a source of money, if value addition is done. These shells can be used to make various products such as jewellery, home decors, toys among others. This means that if a farmer has several LAYOUT, DESIGN AND EDITING OF MYGOV WEEKLY BY THE KENYA YEARBOOK EDITORIAL BOARD www.kenyayearbook.co.ke 0202715390 / 0711944538 NHIF Building , 4th Floor @Kenyayearbook coconut trees, he can then specialise in production at each stage, meaning the trees can earn him money all year round. Small holder farmers are however better off working in groups in order to be able to produce in large quantities. This way, they can be able to satisfy their markets and bargain for better prices. If coastal communities especially the youth would therefore get involved in value addition at any of the stages, then this would go a long way in creating employment and P.O. Box 34035-00100 Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board economic empowerment. And you do not have to exclusively grow coconut plants in your farm. It is a great idea to intercrop with other crops like beans, peas, bananas, pineapples or vegetables. Legumes are particularly great as they fix nitrogen in the soil. By intercropping, a farmer can still make more money from selling the produce he harvests even as he awaits to earn from coconut trees. Besides, intercropping provides more food for the family, thus boosting food security. info@kenyayearbook.go.ke
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