The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) will spend about PHP1.5 billion to fertilize some 55,000 coconut palms in 2025 through the Coconut Fertilization Project for increased yield and income for coconut farmers.

PCA Administrator Dr. Dexter Buted, during the second Salt Congress here Thursday, said the project involves the rehabilitation of low bearing mature palms with relatively high chances of increased commercial value of production through the application of agricultural grade salt fertilizer (AGSF), production of compost as soil conditioner using composting facility for biodegradable wastes (CFBW), and provision of incentives for the compost produce.

He said a total of 2.12 million 50-kilo bags of AGSF and 375,000 50-kilo bags of organic fertilizer will be needed.

The provincial government of Pangasinan will supply the PCA with 4,180 bags of locally produced AGSF from the Pangasinan Salt Center, while the local government of Dasol and the Dasol Salt Makers Association (DSMA) will also supply 5,000 bags of AGSF.

“Expected increase in coconut yields by 25 percent or more within the next five years. Projected increase in farmer income by 10 percent or more, improving their livelihoods,” Buted said.

The country’s coconut production slightly contracted in 2023 due to the effects of El Niño phenomenon, at 14.89 million metric tons, lower than the 14.93 million metric tons in the previous year.

Some 589,700 coconut palms in 2022 and 1.74 million in 2023 have been fertilized.

Buted said the coconut fertilization project targets to increase production to 2.9 billion nuts that will result to PHP20.8 billion income in 2026, and 3.98 billion nuts or PHP24.9 billion income in 2027.

He said there are a total of 3.6 million hectares of coconut plantation in the country, with 340 million total coconut tree and 2.5 million coconut farmers.

He added the coconut fertilization project would also benefit the salt industry. (PNA)