56% increment for farmers
Copra Millers of Fiji Limited executive chairman, Ilisoni Taoba, in his office in Suva yesterday. Photo: JONA KONATACI
By RACHNA LAL
Copra Millers of Fiji Limited has welcomed Government’s increase in Corpa Price Support to farmers which has seen a 56 per cent increase.
Executive chairman, Ilisoni Taoba, said Government has increased its copra price support from $500 per metric tonne to $780 per metric tonne to copra producers effective September 1.
Mr Taoba highlighted the last increase was from $400 per metric tonne to $500 per metric tonne ten years ago, in 2003.
He however stressed the increment was not through the increase in the world market price of coconut oil but rather from Government support.
Poor state of industry
Mr Taoba considers the coconut industry as a whole, to be in a very poor state and the Government support an opportunity to grow.
“It needs the co-operation of all stakeholders to contribute positively to its revitalisation,” he said.
“I would encourage coconut plantation owners to take full advantage of this government initiative to increase the copra price support to farmers.”
Mr Taoba said the increase in copra price support to farmers is considered a step in the right direction.
“This would maintain the interest of the farmers to maintain their plantations and increase production,” he said.
How to revitalise sector
Mr Taoba said in order to further revitalise the coconut industry, all stakeholders need to sit together and map out a strategic plan for the future.
“They need to be mindful of the fact that coconut is a long term crop i.e. it takes five years from planting to bearing,” he said.
“After say 20 years of productive life, replanting may have to be considered. It is not an annual crop like sugarcane.”
Mr Taoba said a massive national replanting and new planting programme need to be considered with related incentives in place.
He, however, acknowledged the Plant One Million Coconut Trees campaign launched by the Ministry of Agriculture this year.
Areas with potential
Mr Taoba said the coconut replanting programme may have to concentrate around the major existing plantation areas of Cakaudrove, Bua and outer islands.
“New planting be extended to Viti Levu where vast areas of potential coconut planting land is available,” he said.
“Land to be considered include the failed beef schemes established in the 1960’s/70’s in Verata – Tailevu, upper Naitasiri, Tilivalevu in Nadroga and beef schemes in Ra.
“Dairy freehold farms in Waimaro – Tailevu North and others in Tailevu and Naitasiri may also be encouraged.
“In this way the industry would be susatainable and attractive to potential investors and indeed where all Fijians contribute to the Industry development.”