The southern part of the country boasts a thriving and diverse coconut-based industry that plays a crucial role in the economic and social fabric of the region. This industry encompasses a wide range of activities, from cultivation and harvesting to processing and marketing, and it provides sustenance and employment for thousands of people who are intricately linked to the coconut value chain.
Ranked as the 12th highest coconut-producing country globally, Bangladesh yields an impressive 442,700 metric tons of coconuts from 25,335 hectares of land. Coconuts in this region are primarily utilized in two distinct forms: green coconuts for their nutritious water content and mature brown coconuts, valued for their water, inner flesh, and the versatile brown husks used in the production of products like coco pith, coir, and oil.
However, recent years have seen a distressing drop in coconut production in the region.
The reasons for this decline include infestations of white flies and mites, as well as improper fertilization practices. These challenges have taken a toll on the quantity and quality of coconut production, affecting the livelihoods of coconut farmers in southern Bangladesh.
Green coconut water, prized for its rich nutritional content and its ability to combat fatigue and dehydration, experiences increased demand during the scorching summer months. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and dengue further exacerbated the situation, as green coconut consumption surged, diverting supply away from mature coconuts used in the production of coconut oil, coco pith, and coir.
Factories for processing jute coir in Bagerhat have fallen silent, with 10 now closed in the recent past, and the processed coconut coir that is so important for improving soil productivity can now scarcely be produced given a lack of raw material in the form of mature brown coconuts. At the same time, coconut oil refineries have now become import dependent.
A Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) estimate shows an approximately 60 percent production loss in coconut growing zones in southern Bangladesh owing to improper management and pest infestation. Further, the quality of the coconut had also deteriorated, such as being smaller in size, having a scratched and deformed surface, and being dried inside the young coconut.
The root of the problem lies in the limited technical knowledge possessed by traditional coconut farmers, who lack expertise in pest and disease management, as well as proper tree pruning techniques.
The situation became increasingly dire due to the absence of knowledge regarding plant nutrition management, including the correct application of fertilizers and efficient pruning methods.
Thanks to recent interventions in some parts of Bagerhat, the coconut farmers are beginning to see better days again.
The Bagerhat-based agricultural cooperative Renaissance Enterprise partnered with the USAID-supported Feed the Future Bangladesh Horticulture, Fruits, and Non-Food Crops Activity. Through this collaborative initiative, the parties came together to enhance the technical skills of 50 local service providers known as “gachhi”.
These individuals are responsible for tasks such as cleaning, pruning, fertilizing, and managing pest infestations on coconut trees. The goal of this endeavor is to benefit 2,000 coconut farmers located in Chitalmari upazila of Bagerhat district.
Now, both the trained groups of coconut growers and the gachhis know what pest control measures must be adopted, how the trees must be pruned properly to maximize the harvests from each tree.
Renaissance Director Probir Kumar Biswas told Dhaka Tribune that they have trained over 2,000 coconut farmers and 50 gachhis since late last year in several unions of Chitalmari upazila.
“Over the last few years, there has been a drastic fall in coconut production, even resulting in the closure of some coconut oil and coir factories here. Coconut plantations were suffering from a lack of adequate nutrition, and on top of that, there has been a pest infestation.”
He said that in the beginning, many farmers had the superstition that the installation of mobile towers had some impact on the low productivity of their coconut trees.
Now, after successful completion of training, they know the right doses of fertilizer and pesticide application and proper plantation management.” It was visible that the infestation has decreased in the treated coconut trees, and the quality of flowers and immature coconuts is great in shapes and sizes and not falling off their buds.
Farmers and gachhis told Dhaka Tribune that they now know when and in what doses to apply all the nutrients, like; compost, urea, TSP (Triple Super Phosphate), MoP (Muriate of Potash), boron, sulfur, copper sulfate, and lime. They also apply pesticides like K-mite and Fizimite to fight mites and white flies.
Dhirendra Nath Barai is a coconut farmer in Chitalmari’s Char Baniari. He said things have changed for the better with his new knowledge of plantation management.
Santoshpur Union’s Madhuri Majumder has 16 coconut trees in her extended courtyards. She said many farmers and gachhis didn’t know before how to prune coconut trees in a sustainable manner so that production wasn’t hampered. Now they’ve got that knowledge. The trees look healthy, and the fruits are not falling apart.
A fellow coconut farmer, Nilima Baral, told this correspondent about the application of pheromone traps that help keep fruits safe from pest attacks.
Nur Islam Khan is one of the gachhis who was trained by Renaissance. He said he is happy that he can now provide better services to the farmers by properly managing the coconut plantations, thereby increasing yields.
The significance of these biotech interventions becomes evident when considering the challenges faced by traditional coconut farmers in southern Bangladesh. Declining coconut production, coupled with limited technical knowledge and pest infestations, threatened the livelihoods of thousands.
However, things are changing fast and showing positive results. The collaboration between Renaissance Enterprise and the USAID-supported initiative is not only equipping farmers and local service providers with essential skills but also reviving the coconut industry in the country's southern region.
As a result, farmers are experiencing increased yields, improved coconut quality, and better economic prospects. These efforts are instrumental in safeguarding the region's coconut-based economy, ensuring a sustainable future for all involved.