Tuesday, November 11, 2008 Cotabato allots P1-M to boost coco industry
KIDAPAWAN CITY -- The Provincial Government of Cotabato has allocated P1 million for the expansion of its coconut industry development program in the upland areas to improve the economic condition of the farmers.
This coconut industry development program will support the expansion of 530 hectares of coconut plantations in the province with 60,000 seed nuts and 3,000 seedlings in addition to the 53,000 seedlings in the provincial nurseries, which are ready for release to farmers.
The program has also capability building components with two sets of specialized training for coconut extension workers and 50 sets of technology trainings for some 2,000 farmers aimed at teaching them practice sustainable agriculture through new farming system approaches.
Coconut farmers will be able to avail of the seedlings through the plant now pay later scheme. Seed nuts will be purchased and germinated at the provincial nursery before distribution.
Cotabato province has a vast agricultural land area suitable to the expansion of the coconut industry development program considered as one of the leading dollar earners of the Philippine economy.
