Farming Coconut
The coconut industry in Guyana has been identified as one of the sectors with a large potential for further development. It can be used in food, feed, and fuel and delivers a wide variety of products, including coconut water, coconut oil, coconut milk as well as dried coconut which are all in-demand regionally and internationally. Coconut is grown widely in the coastal regions of Guyana, primarily along the Pomeroon River, Essequibo Coast, East Demerara, West Berbice, and on the Corentyne Coast. The estimated area under production is 24,000 hectares with an average annual production of 92 million nuts. The main industrial activity is the processing of coconut oil used primarily for cooking. Copra yield from 100 nuts ranges from 13-16 kg. 8,217 MT of coconuts were exported in 2020
MAIN VARIETIES
- Jamaica Tall
- Panama Tall
- Green Dwarf
- Yellow Dwarf
MAIN PRODUCING AREAS
- Pomeroon
- Mahaica
- West Coast Berbice
- Wakenaam
PREPARATION FOR EXPORT MARKET
HARVESTING
- Harvest using a machete or knife to cut the stem just above the shoulder of the fruit. Coconuts may be twisted or snapped off the tree by hand. Fruit is borne on mature tall trees may be harvested with the aid of a ladder or climbing device, by skilled climbers, or by using a sharp blade attached to a long pole.
CLEANING
- De-husk coconuts and ensure they are oval to round in shape with the eyes showing. To prevent browning, the de-husked coconuts can be dipped in a 1% to 3% sodium meta-bisulfite solution for 2 to 5 mins.
PACKING
- Local & Caribbean Market – They are placed in polythene bags.
- Transport is mainly by sea using refrigerated containers.
