Govt distributes 3000 high-yield coconut plants to Pomeroon farmers

In a major initiative to boost the coconut industry in the Pomeroon River region, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha announced that the Government will make available some 3000 high-yield coconut plants to local farmers.
In fact, over 120 farmers each received 25 Brazilian Green Dwarf coconut plants on Wednesday as part of the first phase of a larger project. The distribution is a commitment made by Minister Mustapha six months ago to improve the quality and yield of coconuts in Pomeroon.
During his remarks, Mustapha noted that this is just the first phase of the distribution while highlighting the advantages of the Brazilian Green Dwarf variety which will produce approximately 240 coconuts per tree annually, a significant increase from the current 160 coconuts per tree in Guyana.

Additionally, the water content of these coconuts is much higher, producing around 700-750 ml compared to the 300-350 ml from local varieties.
“Our aim is not only to enhance coconut production but to revitalize the entire coconut industry in Guyana. This sector has the potential to be highly lucrative, and we have the potential to supply markets throughout the Caribbean.”
The Ministry has already imported over 60,000 high-yield coconuts from Brazil, and there are plans to import another 40,000 from Mexico in collaboration with IKEA. This large-scale importation aims to bolster production across more than 6000 acres dedicated to coconut farming.
Meanwhile, Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva expressed gratitude to the Government for its continuous support while adding that local farmers will not only benefit from increased coconut water and oil but also copra production.
Farmers in the region also voiced their appreciation, noting the positive impact on their livelihoods.