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Experiences on replanting the coconut
There are more than 100 old coconut trees in the land when arrangement has been done replanting them. There were some rows without coconut trees due to removal of them by previous owner or some time death by diseases. However, it was looked that new planting is required to continue the land as coconut land.
Accordingly, study on coconut cultivation has been started by referencing some leaflets and videos published in various websites. videos on YouTube as well as some websites, such as Department of Agriculture were very useful for this purpose. Finally, Coconut Development Officer (CDO) was informed for assistancefor a new cultivation in same land. Thanks to the CDO, it was able to collect huge knowledge about coconut cultivation. His instructions provided land owner fuel to start a new cultivation under the old coconut cultivation. He visited the land several times and guided the owner to grow coconut plants. He also arranged to provide the necessary plants at concessionary rates by providing registration facilities under the Coconut Development Board.Following the instructions given by CDO, Coconut plants have been purchased from the nursery. Planter has opportunity to choose suitable young plants in the nursery. At this stage, the pits must be prepared by layering coconut husks in the bottom. If coconut husks are not available with planter, he has to purchase themfrom coconut mills or others in the area.
After planting, next task is to look after the small plants. At this stage, plants can be attached by animals and insect attacks. Among the animal, pigs and porcupines’ damage is very harmful. To avoid such an attack, One half of Tar barrel has been placed by covering each plant.
However, coconut cultivators have to look after the plantation several years very closely. Plants will be damaged due to unfavorable weather conditions such as dry season and by some insect attacked. At the severe drought season, plants can be totally died. Suitable irrigational system will survive plants. In some dry seasons, we have to pour water for the plants by carrying with baskets although that is very difficult. Further, it is suitable to place tar barrels in several places in cultivated field. Then, filling them up water and with help of rubber hose he can carry water to the plants.
Attached by insects, beetle, and other animals will be more damages to plantations. Some experiences on those damages are discussed on the following topics and go through them carefully.
Insects attacks to Coconut Plants >>