WHAT ARE COCONUTS?
Coconuts, or cocos nucifera, are apart of the palm tree family. Despite the fact that coconut has the word nut in it, coconuts are actually fruits. The shelled fruit itself is large, brown, and oval in shape and contains a clear liquid with edible white flesh. Coconut trees come in thirteen different varieties. They can live anywhere from ten to one hundred years depending on the type (dwarf, tall, hybrid) and growing condition. The dwarf trees are between 15 and 30 feet high and tend to have shorter lifespans than the tall coconut trees. Tall coconut trees can live to up to 90 years and can grow up to 100 feet tall when fully mature.
WHERE DO COCONUTS COME FROM?
Coconuts are said to have originated from the region containing the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Today, it is an important cash crop in many tropical countries. The fruit grows naturally in regions that are 25 degrees above and below the equator. In addition to being found in south east Asia, coconuts can also be found in the African tropics, the Caribbean, India, Brazil, Central America, the Pacific Islands, Australia, and the southern regions of the United States of America to name a few.
WHAT IS THE GLOBAL MARKET FOR COCONUTS?
The Philippines, India, and Indonesia make up 61% of the global market for coconuts. Of the three, Indonesia is the greatest consumer of coconuts, consuming 19 million tonnes of the fruit each year. While coconuts are primarily sourced from tropical countries, the demand extends beyond the tropics. The largest importers of coconuts are China, who spend 227 million dollars on coconuts per year. Then comes the United States, who spend 179 million dollars on coconuts per year. Each year, the coconut market grows by roughly 10%, making it a fast growing industry worldwide. In the United States, one coconut usually sells for between $2.00 USD and $3.00 USD per fruit depending on the season.
WHAT IS THE LOCAL MARKET FOR COCONUTS?
In 2019, Ghana produced 224 million coconuts, or approximately 380k tonnes of fruit. The majority of coconuts in Ghana are produced by small scale farmers and consumed locally or by neighboring countries (e.g. Nigeria, Togo, Ivory Coast). In the market, coconuts are usually two or three cedis. If buying directly from the coconut farmer, expect to pay 20 GHS per tree – 10 GHS to the farmer and 10 GHS to the tree climber. Don’t underestimate the demand from the local market. Everyone has to eat, and coconuts are a hot ticket item, especially during the warmer months of the year. According to Felix Agen-Davis, a coconut farmer from Afram Plains in the Eastern Region of Ghana, selling locally can yield high returns. Over the course of a year, a 10-acre plot of land filled with dwarf coconuts can yield up to 60,000 GHS annually. Not bad!
HOW DO YOU GROW COCONUTS?
Coconuts grow from the seed. If you leave a coconut outside in shady conditions long enough it will begin to sprout a leaf from its hard shell in about six to eight months. You should plant coconuts approximately ten to thirty feet apart depending on which type of tree you have — the dwarf coconuts are shorter and have thicker bases than the local coconuts that grow tall and thin. It is important that each tree has enough space so that they can mature without overcrowding.
Once you determine your planting area, you should clear the earth of all weeds. The ideal soil for coconuts has a pH level of anywhere between 5.2 to 8.0. One acre can accommodate anywhere between 40 to 70 trees. Coconuts should be planted roughly one foot down in the soil and prefer to be close to the water. However, too much water can spoil the tree so be careful where you decide to plant. The leaves will be vibrant green when healthy but in conditions with too much water you will see the leaves begin to yellow, signaling a need for more sunlight. Indeed, coconuts thrive in warm growing conditions of 70 degrees or more.
HOW DO YOU HARVEST COCONUTS?
Dwarf coconuts such as the King Coconut, the Fiji Dwarf Coconut, Malayan Yellow Dwarf Coconut, and the Malayan Green Dwarf Coconut, begin to fruit after two or three years and tend to bear smaller fruits than the tall varieties. The tall varieties, for example – the Jamaican Tall, Panama Tall, West Coast Tall Coconut, and East Coast Tall Coconuts – bear fruit six to eight years after initial planting. Each tree yields anywhere from sixty to seven hundred fruits per year depending on variety.
To harvest coconuts from the local variety, you will need the help of a skilled climber. When the coconuts are ready, the climber goes to the top of the tree with a machete and dislodges the coconuts from the base of the stem. Watch out if you are standing below because the falling coconuts can bounce in all directions. The dwarf coconuts can be harvested with the use of a standard size ladder.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH COCONUTS?
Coconuts are an incredibly diverse fruit that is rich in fiber. The byproducts of coconut can also be found in many natural skin-care products, and is an important part of a healthy routine. Coconut water, is also filled with potassium which is great for the heart and lowers blood pressure. It contains many minerals that will improve the health of your kidneys in particular. The water from the fruit is a natural source of electrolytes and is sweet and nutritious. Coconut oil, has many healing properties and has been known to improve skin infections, reduce dark circles under the eyes, and moisturize dry skin. Coconut oil is also good for combatting dandruff and other conditions that leave the scalp dry and flaky.
Consider the following high demand products to produce with your coconuts:
- Coconut Oil
- Coconut Milk
- Coconut Water
- Coconut Shavings
- Coconut Powder
- Coconut Flour
HOW DO YOU GET STARTED?
If you want to get into the business of coconut farming, you will need access to the dwarf coconuts. The dwarf coconuts take roughly three years to grow, which will allow you to enter the market sooner than if you go with the tall varieties, which can take six to seven years to fruit. The harvesting of coconuts will also be significantly easier in comparison to the tall coconuts. Find a piece of suitable land and space your coconuts accordingly.
The more trees you plant, the better harvest you will have in three years time. Be prepared to find local buyers for your coconuts – selling your fruit domestically will allow you to deliver a higher percentage of your harvest. Exotic fruits and their derivatives are becoming staples around the world due to their delicious taste, health benefits, and tropical appeal.
Of course, you can also talk to one of our organization development specialists to help you form your agribusiness. We can consult with you throughout every phase of the process. If you are interested in learning more about how we can help — get in touch. And if you like all-natural products? Don’t forget to check out our shop.
