SMLHDR COCONUT DEVT.

closed

The project's main objectives are to increase the incomes of about 40,000 smallholder families, some 20% of whom are in the poverty group; to increase coconut production especially on the Other Islands; to reduce imports; and to build the institutional framework for the national coconut development program. In particular, the project would: (a) plant, replant, and maintain until maturity, about 37,600 ha of coconuts of which about 85% would be with high yielding hybrid material; and develop about 3,500 ha of immature coconuts (local tall variety); (b) rehabilitate about 38,000 ha of mature coconuts; (c) establish three 180 ha hybrid seed gardens; (d) strengthen 70 existing Coconut Working Centers (CWCs), and establish and staff 15 provincial offices and a Head Office; (e) provide training and technical assistance; and (f) finance studies covering, in particular, the copra marketing and processing system, and the preparation of future projects.