ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First and foremost, we would like to express our highest gratitude to
all the people who had given their full support in undertaking this project
especially our lecturer Madam Ahbul Zailani Begum Ibrahim for her guidance and
advice. Her willingness to guide us is a valuable contribution to our project.
To God, we are grateful for the strength that kept us standing and for
the hope that kept us going. Besides, we would also thank our family who
inspired, and fully supported us for every trial and obstacles that came our
way in giving us not just financial support, but also moral support.
Not to be forgotten our group mates who were willing to help us in gathering
the necessary data and information needed for this project. We are indebted to
En Razali, Assistant Research Officer of Mardi for his kindness and willingness
to give us high cooperation in answering all questions related to our topic
during the interview session.
All in all, without the help of the particular individuals that were
mentioned above, we might not be able to reach the finish line. So, to all mentioned
above, our highest gratitude shall be with all of you.
Letter
of transmittal
2 April
2012
Madam Hajah Ahbul Zailani Begum Ibrahim,
Lecturer
BEL 422
Universiti Technology Mara,
Kampus Bandaraya Melaka,
73500 JAlan Hang Tuah,
MELAKA
Dear Madam
Report on the Status of Coconut Plantation in
Malaysia
Enclosed here is the report that you requested
providing information regarding the status of coconut plantation in Malaysia. This is because the coconut plantation in
Malaysia is in declining trend compared to other coconut plantation such as in
Philippine and Indonesia.
The report presents a detailed location on coconut plantation across
Malaysia and their importance to Malaysian people. Several alternatives have
been given for your perusal, each accompanied by a list of considerations that
to be borne in mind when selecting this topics.
Should you have any queries regarding the report,
please do not hesitate to contact us.
Yours sincerely
( Muhamad Yuszairi bin
Ahmad)
Head of group
List
of illustration
|
FIGURE
|
PAGES
|
|
Figure 1.1
|
6
|
|
Figure 2.1
|
8
|
|
Figure 3.1
|
11
|
|
Figure 4.1
|
13
|
|
Figure 4.2
|
14
|
|
Figure 4.3 & 4.4
|
15
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Acknowledgements i
Letter of Transmittal ii
List of Illustrations iii
1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background 2
1.2 Subject 3
1.3 Problem Statement 3
1.4 Objective of Research 3
1.5 Purpose
of Research 4
1.6 Research
Question 4
1.7 Scope 4
1.8 Limitation 4
1.9 Terms
of Reference 4
2.0 METHODOLOGY
2.1 Interviews
of people 5
2.2 Picture 5
2.3 Secondary
data 5
3.0 FINDINGS
3.1 Findings
3.1.1 The area of coconut 6-7
3.1.2 Import and export 8-10
3.1.3 Coconut
production 11-12
3.1.4 Pathologies 13-15
3.1.5 Profit 16-18
3.1.6 Coconut in future 19-20
4.0 CONCLUSION 21
5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 22
6.0 APPENDICES 23-26
7.0 REFERENCES 27
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) is
aptly described as the ‘tree of life’ with multifarious uses. It is socially
and culturally linked besides providing jobs and income to millions of people.
In many island economies, it is the major
source of revenue and is an integral part of the livelihood of the population.
In many countries, despite the numerous benefits derived, the coconut is under
threat due to factors such as conversion of farmers to other oil crops (e.g.
oil palm), urbanization and vagaries of the market particularly the volatility
of its various products in global trade.
In Malaysia, coconut is the fourth important
industrial crop after oil palm, rubber and paddy in terms of total planted
area. It is also one of the oldest agro-based industries. As an industry,
coconut contributes very little to the overall economy of Malaysia
(contribution to export earnings of about 0.08% in 2006). Recent competition
with oil palm for land has also resulted in the decline of the total area under
coconut cultivation: in 2001, the area was about 151,000 ha and this has
gradually decreased to the acreage of 109,185 ha in 2007 (Table 3). Based on
the estimates given under the 9th Malaysia Plan, it is anticipated that the
acreage will consolidate to around 80,000 ha by 2010.
The major variety grown is the Malayan Tall
(92.2%) followed by the hybrid MATAG (4.3%), MAWA (1.7%), aromatic type
(Pandan) (1.7%) and the Malayan Dwarfs (0.2%).In Malaysia, the perennial
challenge faced by the coconut processing sector is the low supply of raw
materials, inclusive of both for edible (e.g. oil, copra) and non edible (e.g.
wood, shell and husks) materials. This is largely due to the low productivity
level of about 3,500 nuts per hectare with the aging traditional Malayan Tall
variety (against > 10,000 -20,000 nuts of commercial varieties such as
MATAG).
Other factors contributing to the low
productivity are the low natural soil fertility which needs fertilization, poor
agricultural practices and farm management. The total coconut production for
Malaysia in 2007 was estimated at 382 million nuts per year which is equivalent
to the production of copra around 76,400 MT. However, the domestic coconut
consumption was about 558 million nuts, a shortfall of about 32% of domestic
requirement. The deficit was met via importation mainly from Indonesia and
Thailand. Despite this importation, most of the major companies generally run
at 50% of their production capacity.
However there are efforts in growing more coconut plantations in
Malaysia, specifically Sarawak. All the other plans were hold to ensure future
growth of coconut plantation in Malaysia, and rest assured that this crop is
not yet ended in Malaysian soil and far from being removed of our agricultural
industry.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Some
people believe that coconut palm is the symbol of romance in the tropics. There
are many varieties of coconut trees. The coconut grows in rainforests and other
tropical of climates. It may take a year or so for the coconut tree to mature.
“The coconut palm tree grows in hot areas. It likes frost free areas, and grows
in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific region. The tree grows near
seas in these areas so the roots can find moisture. In the United States it is
found only in Hawaii, the Southern tip of Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin
Islands.”( Jessica F. 2001)
“The coconut industries in the Philippines are
the largest producer of coconut tree. About one third of the country’s arable
agriculture land or 3.26 million hectares is planted to coconut representing 64
out of total 79 provinces, and 1195 out of the 1554 municipalities in this
country. It is among the top ten export
producer of the country as exhibited by the good export performance of both
traditional and non-traditional coconut products.” (AGRIFISH online).
“While
Indonesia is the second producer of coconut tree.” (Food and Agriculture
Organization of United State).As a tropical country, Indonesia is a fertile
land for coconut palms. The low lands of its coastal areas from Sumatra in the
west and Papua in the east are lined with the swaying slim tall plants.
However, the potential has not attracted enough big investors to produce major
export commodity from coconut palms like crude palm oil, coffee and cocoa.
“Currently Indonesia has 3.8 million hectares of
coconut plantations expanding from 1.66 million hectares in 1969.”(Indonesia
newsletter). The vast majority of 98% or 3.7 million hectares of the
plantations are made up of smallholdings of individual farmers.
Plantations owned by state companies total around 4,669 hectares with private
plantation companies owning the rest.
As compare to them, Malaysia has
left behind in coconut industries. “We are now in tenth ranking as the coconut
producer in the world.”(Food and Agriculture Organization of United State).
Malaysia has about 110,000 hectares coconut plantations around
Malaysia.”(Agriculture Department). The main menu of coconut plantations in
Malaysia are Selangor (129, 878), followed by Johor (79,469), Sabah (69,318),
Sarawak (868, 474), Perak (58,854),and Kelantan (40,275). While other areas
less than 20,000 hectares. The smallest area of coconut plantation in Malaysia
is Perlis which is only 1119 hectares.
“In Malaysia, coconut is the fourth important industrial crop after oil
palm, rubber and paddy in terms of total planted area”.(A.Sivapragasam). It is
also one of the oldest agro-based industries. As an industry, coconut contributes
very little to the overall economy of Malaysia.However, coconut still plays an
important role in the socio-economic position of the Malaysian rural population
that involves80,000 households. “About 63% of coconut production is for
domesticconsumption and 37% is for export and industrial
processing”(A.Sivapragasam). The domestic demand for coconut products takes in
the form of fresh coconut, tendercoconut, coconut oil and processed cream
powders. In terms of exports,the country has seen an increase in the export of
end-products of coconut such as desiccated coconut, coconut milk powder and
activated carbon.
Despite
its legendary history and uses, coconut worldwide is facing major challenges to
its existence. In Malaysia, the perennial challenge faced by the coconut
processing sector is the low supply of raw materials, inclusive of both for
edible (e.g. oil,copra) and non edible (e.g. wood, shell and husks) materials.
This is largely due to the low productivity level of about 3,500 nuts per hectare
with the aging traditional Malayan Tall variety (against > 10,000 -20,000
nuts of commercial varieties such as MATAG). Other factors contributing to
the low productivity are the low
natural soil fertility which needs fertilization, poor agricultural practices
and farm management.
It clearly shows that coconut plantation in
Malaysia is almost died compared to other coconut producer all around the world
such as Philippine, Indonesia, Cambodia and Vietnam. So the purpose of this
report is to present the analysis of the problem and to recommend a solution
that would help alleviate it. It is important to ensure that coconut plantation
will not die in Malaysia since we all know that it is profitable enough to us.
1.2 SUBJECT
The
status of coconut plantation in Malaysia.
1.3 PROBLEM
STATEMENT
Recently
the number of coconut plantation has decreases in Malaysia, while at the same
time all part of coconut tree still has been used widely by Malaysian. For
example, coconut husk and shells can be used for fuel, coconut trunks are used
for building small bridges, and the roots are used as a dye, a mouthwash and a
medicine. Therefore, the status of coconut plantation has to be considered and
the importance of coconut plantation will be discussed.
1.4 OBJECTIVE
OF RESEARCH
The
objectives of the research are:
1)
To
know the status of coconut plantations in Malaysia
2)
To
identify the major places and the land area occupied by coconut plantation in
Malaysia.
3)
To
determine the status of export and import of coconut in Malaysia.
4)
To reveal
the major problems facing coconut producers.
5)
To
identify the strategy and implementation that can be done to ensure that coconut
plantation will continue to grow in Malaysia.
1.5 PURPOSE
OF RESEARCH
To know the status of coconut plantations in
Malaysia since there is an anecdotal evidence that there is a significant
decline in recent years. Despite
the decreasing acreage, coconut still plays an important role in the socio-economic
position of the Malaysian rural population that involves 80,000 households.
1.6 RESEARCH
QUESTION
1)
What
is the status of coconut plantation in Malaysia?
2)
Can
coconut plantation play its role in contributing to Malaysian socio-economic?
3)
What
are the challenges facing coconut producer?
4)
What
are the measures that had been taken to ensure that coconut plantation
continues to grow in Malaysia?
5)
What are the strategies formulated for coconut
plantation in the future?
1.7 SCOPE
Market
survey includes area of coconut palm plantation around Bertam Ulu, Malacca, Marang, Terengganu, and Sungai Selangor, Selangor.
1.8 LIMITATION
There
are several limitations faced in completing this report which is budget constraint, time constraint and expertise constraints.
In order to complete the study, we needed to spend money on printing, rental
car cost, Internet service and other related cost. Due to limited period of
time, it was quite difficult for us to get most of the information. Most of the
information was gathered from the MARDI officials. In explaining expertise
constraints, we ourselves lack experience in conducting a proper research so it
is safe to say error is inevitable in certain parts of the research.
1.9 TERM
OF REFERENCES
On 8th
March, Madam Begum Ibrahim, Lecturer of Report Writing, requested us to do a
report on the decreasing number of coconut plantation in Malaysia. This is
because she wanted to know deeper about the status of coconut plantation and is
it really dying in Malaysia. This report has to be submitted on the last week
before the final exam.
2.0 METHODOLOGY
2.1 Interviews
with people
In
this research we collected the data from an interview. We were conducting the
interview with En. Razali (Assistant Research Officer of MARDI). He was also
the source of primary data. From the interview we discovered and found out
about the status of coconut plantation in Malaysia and useful information
pertaining to the subject. We had chosen this method because we managed to get
an interview with the person involved in the field of coconut plantation, thus
making our information source more reliable and trustworthy to be presented in
our report. Other methods of data collection were ruled out of our
consideration as we felt that method such as parents questionnaire, feedback
from teachers were of no need since we had been granted an interview.
2.2 Pictures
Even
though we did not went to MARDI Perak where coconut plantation took place, we
managed to obtain pictures of our subject, consisting of site of plantation,
coconut breed and category, the disease affecting coconut growth and coconut
trees based on their breed. From these pictures, we recognized the subject as
if we were at a coconut plantation site. These pictures will be adhered in our
report to assist in providing a clear picture of our subject.
2.3 Secondary Data
We
also used secondary data to get the information about the coconut plantation in
Malaysia. Most of our secondary data was obtained from the internet. A lot of information
on coconut and of various angles could be accessed through the internet.
However, we selected only the information that were proven to be valid,
significant, and reliable and can be trusted. This is important to ensure that
our research findings are reliable to whomever it may concern.
3.0 FINDINGS
AND DISCUSSION
3.1 Areas of coconut plantation according to
states in Malaysia.
Figure 1.1 : Areas of coconut
plantation and production of coconut according to states in Malaysia in terms of hectares square and
metric tonne.
The
figure above shows the areas of coconut plantation in Malaysia according to states
in terms of hectares square. In 2010, Sarawak has the widest area of coconut
plantation with 21, 817 hectares square followed by Johor with 21099 hectares
square. Apparently, from 2006 to 2010, Perlis has the smallest area of coconut
plantation amongst all other states with 546 hectares squares accounted as the
highest in 2010. Sarawak’s area of coconut plantation was in declining trend
from 2008 till 2010. Another significant decreasing trend in the width of
plantation area that is noticeable is in Selangor where in 2006, area of
coconut plantation was 19,419 hectares square but dropped dramatically to only
10,624 hectares square in 2010. Sabah is another state that should not be taken
lightly as it has among the widest area of coconut plantation among other
states, which is 18,083 hectares square in 2010. It can be concluded that
coconut plantation area in Peninsular Malaysia is wider than those in East
Malaysia.
3.1.1 Recommendation
Area
of plantation should be organized and planned wisely to prevent area wastage
and damaging of soil in that area. The planting decision should be given thorough
consideration to avoid forgoing the opportunity to plant other crop.
3.1.2 Conclusion
In
conclusion, the width of coconut plantation area in hectares square is in
decreasing trend from previous years to this year.
3.2 The
flow of import and export of coconut plantation in Malaysia
Table 2.1:
Malaysian Imports and exports of coconut products for Year 2009 -2010.
|
|
2009
|
2010
|
||||||
|
Description
|
Import(RM)
|
Export(RM)
|
Trade
Balance(RM)
|
Import(RM)
|
Export(RM)
|
Trade Balance (RM)
|
||
|
Fresh Coconut
|
11,178,602
|
7,343,007
|
(3,835,595
|
14,661,741
|
6,102,228
|
(8,559,513)
|
||
|
Dessicated Coconut
|
964,906
|
16,563,057
|
15,598,151
|
372,887
|
15,477,561
|
15,104,674
|
||
|
Coconut Milk Powder
|
3,543,313
|
25,818,054
|
22,274,741
|
2,573,150
|
24,421,439
|
21,848,289
|
||
|
Activated Carbon
|
12,750,095
|
59,091,678
|
46,341,583
|
13,163,550
|
53,165,459
|
40,001,909
|
||
|
Copra
|
9,889,540
|
623,687
|
(9,265,853)
|
19,825,245
|
2,345,627
|
(17,479,618)
|
||
|
Copra Meal
|
618,001
|
1,303,561
|
685,560
|
781,485
|
2,944,538
|
2,163,053
|
||
|
Coconut Oil
|
388,595,631
|
352,051,961
|
(36,543,670)
|
351,335,147
|
377,074,171
|
25,739,024
|
||
|
Fibre & Fibre Product (coir)
|
1,597,254
|
3,415,132
|
1,817,878
|
1,804,175
|
4,240,393
|
2,436,218
|
||
|
TOTAL
|
429,139,342
|
466,210,137
|
37,070,795
|
404,517,380
|
485,771,416
|
81,254,036
|
||
Coconut in Malaysia is the fourth important
plantations in terms of acreage, after oil palm, rubber and paddy. As an
industry, coconut contributes very little to the overall economy of Malaysia.
However, the coconut industry in Malaysia has significant socio-economic
implications as it provides a source of revenue and employment to some 80,000
households. In addition, about 63% of coconut production is for domestic
consumption and 37% is for export and industrial processing. The domestic
demand for coconut products takes in the form of fresh coconut, tender coconut,
coconut oil and processed cream powders. In terms of exports, the country has
seen an increase in the export of end-products of coconut such as desiccated
coconut, coconut milk powder and activated carbon it supports a number of
vibrant small and medium coconut-based processing industries and exporters with
a positive trade balance of about RM 81.2 million.
In 2010, exports of coconut and coconut-based
products was valued at RM485 771 416 increase from the RM466.2 million in 2009.
Imports in 2010 amounted to RM404,517,380 decrease from RM429.1million in 2009
(Table 4). There was thus a net increase of about RM81million in 2010 of
exports over imports (about 2.1x more than in 2009). In 2010, negative trade
balance was seen with imports of fresh coconut and copra. The highest net
positive trade balance was seen for activated carbon was valued at RM40.0
million followed by Coconut Oil amount RM25.7 million and coconut milk powder
amounted at RM21.8 million. The high import of Coconut Oil is mainly for the
oleochemicals industry to produce methyl ester and diethanol amide for
production of surfactants and other detergent product.
3.2.1 Conclusion
The marketable coconut products derived from major
products such as coconut oil and desiccated coconut have already been
commercially produced in various countries. They can be established in other
areas if found to be viable. Some newly emerging products (chips, cream, and
milk powder) have also been manufactured commercially in the last few years,
and can be established elsewhere if found to be viable. Although we recorded a
negative trade balance for fresh coconut, but we increase our revenue by
coconut-based product to contribute to the overall economy of Malaysia
3.2.2 Recommendation
In this
context, perhaps it is timely to consider the establishment of a specific body
for example Malaysia Coconut Board similar to the ones that already exists in
other major coconut growing countries. The main objective of Malaysia Coconut Board is being the main arm for development and
assistance in the development of production and productivity of land to plant
coconut. This includes materials and inputs, financial assistance and extension
service and all forms of regulations and directions
3.3 Malaysia’s standings among ten coconut
producer countries
Coconuts
are produced in 92 countries worldwide on about 11.8 million hectares (29.5ac)
land. World production has been estimated at 61.7 million tons (FAO, 2011) with
an average yield of 5.2 tons / ha. The top ten producing countries are
listed in table 1 below;
Table 3.1: Top ten coconut producing countries in the world
|
Country
|
Production (tons)
2010
|
% of World Production
|
Acreage under Production (ha)
|
Yield/ha
(tons)
|
|
Indonesia
|
21,565,700
|
34.9
|
3,231,710
|
6.67
|
|
Philippines
|
15,667,600
|
25.4
|
3,401,500
|
4.61
|
|
India
|
10,148,000
|
16.4
|
1,903,000
|
5.33
|
|
Sri
Lanka
|
2,099,000
|
3.4
|
394,840
|
5.32
|
|
Brazil
|
1,973,370
|
3.2
|
284,058
|
6.95
|
|
Thailand
|
1,380,980
|
2.2
|
237,882
|
5.80
|
|
Vietnam
|
1,128,500
|
1.8
|
121,500
|
9.29
|
|
Mexico
|
1,004,710
|
1.6
|
155,713
|
6.45
|
|
Papua
New Guinea
|
930,000
|
1.5
|
216,000
|
4.30
|
|
Malaysia
|
459,640
|
0.7
|
166,400
|
2.76
|
|
WORLD
|
61,708,358
|
|
11,864,344
|
5.20
|
Source: FAO Statistics 2011
The
table shows Indonesia remains one of the two largest
coconut producers in the world that can produce of 21.5 million tons per year and 34.9% of world
production. Malaysia fell to 10th place of coconut producing
countries when only capable of producing 459 640 tons per year that contribute
0.7% of world production. This shows that we are still far behind the
Indonesia, Philippines, India, Sri Lanka and Brazil. However, we are still
ahead of Mexico and Vietnam in terms of acreage under production.
3.3.1 Conclusion
The
table shows the top ten coconut producer. Production is often estimated using
reported copra production, area planted or administrative estimates, since by
the very nature of coconut production, it is virtually impossible to do an accurate
count of the number of coconuts. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the
production data is accounted below actual production. Also, there is a gap
between production and harvesting, which in turn influenced the price. If the
price is low the farmer would be de-motivated to harvest.
We
need to increase production of coconut in Malaysia by adding more land for
coconut plantations. NGOs such as Sime Darby and United Plantation also should
play the role as a further body of coconut in Malaysia because demand for the
coconut around the world each year will increase. In addition the NGOs can also
add more jobs and help state residents to generate their income as well.
3.4 The
coconut fruits may suffer from several pathologies
This happens especially where parasites and predators (beneficial
insects) are working naturally to keep the insect under control (biological
control). Killing parasites or predators allows insects to breed without
control and therefore to become pests. Therefore, it is important to be able to
tell the farmer the insect that will attack the coconut palm and how to
overcome it. After we had done an extensive research on this topic, there are
several types of pests that will be highlighted in the report.
3.4.1 Horn beetle (Kumbang
tanduk), Or Coconut black beetle, or Oryctes rhinoceros (L)
Horn beetle
(Kumbang tanduk) also called Coconut black beetle,or in scientific names Oryctes
rhinoceros
(L) is the major insect causing harmful effects to cocos nucifera.
Adults are 35-50 mm long the male has a horn on the head that curves over
backwards. They mostly fly at night to the crowns of palms. The larvae live in moist
rotting vegetable matter particularly dead rotting palms. It is important to take
preventive action and protect the coconut palm from this beetle attack when the coconut palm age is below than three years
old. They
bore into the crown of the palm and kill young palms.Often after the adult
bores a hole diseases and other insects like the palm weevil can gain entry
into the palm causing it to rot.This insect is confined to the islands
particularly the Gazelle peninsula. The leaf will form a ’v-shape’ in result of
the attack and the coconut palm will no longer be productive.
Figure 4.1 Beetle horn (Kumbang tanduk), Or Coconut black beetle, or Oryctes
rhinoceros
3.4.2 Unicorn
beetle or scientific name Dynastes gideon
(L)
Named as Unicorn beetle or scientific name Dynastes gideon (L). Only the male
beetle has long protuberences one on the head and one on the thorax that look
like enormous jaws but are really harmless. The ‘C’ shaped larvae are up to 7
cm long. Damage adults
feed on the underneath surface of the midrib of coconut fronds. Adults are also
often found feeding on the young bark of flame trees (Poinciana). The females
bore into the centre leaf of coconuts in a similar way to Oryctes beetles.
Males are often foundon the newly opened flower.
Figure 4.2 Unicorn beetle or scientific name Dynastes gideon (L)
3.4.3 Coconut
hispid also called coconut leaf hispine or brontispa
longissima Gestro.
Coconut
hispid also called coconut leaf hispine or scientific name Brontispa longissima Gestro. The insect is a small, flat, orange
and black beetle. The adult is 10 mm long and 4 mm wide. The head and antennae
are black and a small part of the wing cover is yellow-brown. The remainder of
the wing cover is black. Damage Larvae and adults severely damage young coconut
palms. They feed amongst and on the unopened leaflets. The adults chew narrow
lines parallel to the midrib causing the leaf to look striped. The insect is
mainly only a problem in coconut nurseries and is not normally a problem in the
field.
Figure 4.3
Coconut hispid also called coconut leaf hispine or brontispa longissima Gestro
.
3.4.4 The
Elephant beetle (kumbang gajah) or Rhynchophorus
palmarum (Linnaeus 1758)
The Elephant beetle (kumbang gajah) or Rhynchophorus spp may attack the coconut trees after the attack of the horn beetle.
This beetle will attack the coconut trees in age between two and 15 years old
(but the beetle more interested in range
between three and six years old). The
damages is because of the larva eat the new growth of the coconut, and after
that the plant will die from the continuous attack. Leaves start to dry in ascending order in the crown; the
apical leaf bends and eventually drops.However, these external symptoms are not
sufficient for clear identification. Internally, the galleries and damage to
leaf-stems produced by the larvae are easily detected in heavily infested
plants. Thus, the pest can only be detected when damaged plants start to perish,
or by using pheromone-baited traps (Jaffé
et al.,1993; Chinchilla & Öhlschlager, 1992, 1993; Sánchez &
Jaffé,1993).
Figure
4.4 The Elephant beetle (kumbang gajah) or Rhynchophorus palmarum (Linnaeus
3.4.5 Conclusion
In conclusion, we can see that before entering
coconut plantation sector, the potential farmer needs to analyze and study
about the risk that occurs in this type of plantation. Some are serious pests
that must be controlled; other insects do little damage and do not need any
action by the farmer to control them. If farmers spend time, energy and money
trying to kill the wrong insects this is not only wasteful but the controls
(especially chemical controls) could actually cause some of these harmless
insects to become pests.
3.4.6 Recommendation:
Malaysian agricultural research and
development institute (MARDI) should give training program on how to plant the
coconut in effective ways to the potential farmer. The training may include on
how to control and prevent the coconut trees from the attack by the beetle.
MARDI also need to introduce which type of coconut that have high demand and
high profit such as Matag coconut and Mawa coconut. Other than that, MARDI also
must give a seminar to the potential or existing farmer about the chemical use
in order to control the breed of the beetle. They must know about which
fertilizer is suitable and what type of chemical poison needed to kill those
insect such as NurelleÒ (cypermethrin+ chlorpyrifos)
3.5 Profit gained from coconut is slightly
lower than palm oil
It is understood that coconut had a lot of usage in our daily
life, coconut ranked fourth most important crop in terms of planted area, after
oil palm, rubber and paddy, respectively. In 1981, the total area planted to
coconut was more than 400, 000 hectares, but in 1995 it drastically declined to
less than 250, 000 hectares only, which represents about 5% of the country’s
total agricultural land area.
From
the interview that our group held with En. Razali, there are several reasons
why coconut yield less profit in comparison to rubber and palm plantation.
First factor is because of collecting the young palm is much easier then plucking
the coconut, second the international prices of coconut dropped drastically, and
the last one is related to more effort in planting palm oil by the government
compared to coconut palm.
3.5.1 Collecting
the young palm is much easier then plucking the coconut.
According
to Mr.Razali bin Baki, to collect the young palm is much easier then plucking
the coconut. A serious problem that is confronting the industry is the
dwindling of labour needed for various activities related to both production
and processing sectors in coconut. While some of the workers involved are
skilled or semiskilled, others are unskilled. But the work in most cases is
hard and unpleasant. Accordingly industry finds it difficult to recruit workers
especially in the fibre sector. Most of the work performed manually (Mr. Razali
bin Baki). Mechanization had not progressed much. The cost of labour too
accordingly has gone up making some process un-remunerative.
3.5.2 The
international prices of coconut dropped
The
international prices of coconut dropped, which resulted a decrease in coconut
production. The competition for land for oil palm planting and infrastructure
development also significantly contributed to the reduction of coconut hectare
in the country. The reasons of coconut prices dropped because of, among vegetable
oils coconut oil was noted for the price volatility in the international
vegetable oils market. We recall when the price of coconut oil went up to a
monthly average of US$1431/MT in June 1984 CIF Rotterdam and then plunged to
US$245/MT In June 1986(APCC, 1985-1997).With the increasing availability of
substitutes of palm oils the situation has change. The highest monthly average
price reached in recent years was in June 1996 at US$816/MT. But even this
price could not be sustained. The surfactant manufacturers found the price
uneconomical and were moving toward palm oil. The alternative left for coconut
industry was to bring down the price of coconut oil in the international market
that dropped to US$567/MT in august 1997. This price when it is filtered down
to the producer is not much of an attraction.
3.5.3 The government
effort only focuses on enhancing to growing up palm oil in the market rather
than coconut
It is understood that Malaysia’s Palm Oil production rose 8.73
per cent to 1.383 million tonnes in May this year from 1.272 million tonnes in
April these year."Malaysia's palm oil production rose 8.73 per cent to 1.383 million tonnes in May this year from 1.272 million tonnes in April this year"(BERNAMA). On the other hand, palm kernel stocks declined 4.68 per cent
to 114,456. Crude palm oil and palm oil stocks are also experiencing a
decrease. It can be concluded that palm oil industry is increasing its
production despite the decline in stocks in palm oil, crude palm oil and palm
kernel.
3.5.4 Conclusion
Based
on the findings, it is reasonable to conclude that the palm oil sector
contribute an important role in the economic development of Malaysia. Although
the country is focusing more on oil palm sector rather than coconut, but the
government have to make continuous improvement on how to breed the new
generation of coconut.
3.5.5 Recommendation
As the recommendation, The Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (FAMA) and Malaysia and Malaysian agricultural
research and development institute (MARDI) must encourage other people to plant
coconut. They must promote the benefits gained in coconut plantation. Even though,
Malaysia focuses more on palm oil plantation, but the government must ensure
that the coconut plantation keep moving forward to become one of the main agriculture
contributor to Malaysia’s economic
growth. The promotion to bring back coconut up must be as heavy and intense as
to promote palm oil plantation.
3.6 Coconut plantation in Malaysia in five
years time and the major plan for its growth
In five years time, the coconut plantation
in Malaysia will continue to grow even though they are facing a significant
decline in recent years. As an industry, coconut contributes very little to the
overall economy of Malaysia compared to other industrial crop such as oil palm,
rubber and paddy. However, coconut still has the highest demand among consumers
since the various parts
of the coconut has many culinary uses such as coconut leaves are used for making brooms, the husk and shells can be used for fuel, trunks
are used for building small bridges, the roots are used as a dye, a mouthwash,
and a medicine for diarrhoea, Coir (the fibre from the husk of the coconut) is
used in ropes, mats and door mats, and so on. So, it is clear that coconut is still very much
needed by Malaysian and definitely will continues to be developed in five years
time and possibly be the number one industrial crop in Malaysia.
Realizing the importance of coconut
plantation, the Malaysian Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and
Agro Based Industries has underlined a number of strategies and the concomitant
implementation plans to ensure that the coconut plantation will not face
extinction. These include:
i.
National Coconut Development Plan (2001-2010) which is
based on two approaches:
a)
Replanting of unproductive and old coconut palms with
a high-yielding MATAG and Pandan (aromatic) varieties.
b)
The rehabilitation of existing coconut area through
good agricultural practices such as fertilizer application, drainage management
and pest control.
Replanting and
rehabilitation scheme will also provide extension services to assist farmers to
fully utilize the land resources. Essentially, the plan, which covers over a 10
years period (2001-2010), will be emphasized on increasing the productivity of
smallholders and improving the quality of their production.
Currently, replanting
and rehabilitation of coconut area is well underway. Focus is given to the five
main coconut’s producer: Hilir Perak, Sabak Berrnam, Batu Pahat, Samarahan and
Kudat.
ii.
Coconut Industry Revitalizing Plan (2008-2015) whose
scope entails the following:
a)
Replanting of 8000 hectares of old and unproductive
coconut palm areas with MATAG hybrid and 2000 hectares with Pandan
b)
Rehabilition of 55,000 hectares of existing planted
areas
c)
Production of MATAG and Pandan seedlings
d)
Increasing the activity of intercropping in coconut
farms.
iii.
Research and Development
To support some of the above activities, MARDI has
undertaken Research and Development activities in the area of
a)
Breeding, mixing farming and product development (e.g.
VCO and coir)
3.6.1 Recommendation
In order to ensure that coconut plantation continues
to grow in Malaysia, various parties should play their respective roles.
Non-Government organization such as Centre for Environment, Technology and
Development, Malaysia (CETDEM), Education and Research Association for consumer
Malaysia (ERA), and united Nation Development Program Malaysia (UNDP) can
provide funds for farmers who are interested in planting coconut. Sometimes,
people are interested in planting coconut but they have not enough budgets to
implement their interest. So, by providing some budgets, they can continue with
their plans. Other than that, MARDI itself can provide regional training on
plantation to train people on the proper technique to plant coconut.
3.6.2 Conclusion
All in all, based on the above strategies we are
confident that coconut plantation is not heading to extinction within the next
five years.
4.0 OVERALL CONCLUSION
Based on the findings that have been
discussed earlier, it can be concluded that coconut in Malaysia are still
actively planted even though the number of areas under coconut shows a
significant decline. Currently the government encourage coconut plantation in
Sabah and Sarawak to ensure that the coconut plantation will continues to
grow.
In term of the status of import and
export of coconut in Malaysia, the number of coconut import is higher than the
number of coconut export. Actually there are many reasons why this scenario
occurs. First, it is influenced by the price of the coconut itself. When the
producers import the coconut from the other countries such as Indonesia and Philippine,
they can get it at lower price compared to the price in Malaysia. Other than
that, producers also import the coconut because Malaysia itself has insufficient
coconut supply. So, the producers had to import the coconut from outside to compensate
the shortage of the coconut supply. However in term of coconut based- product
such as coconut milk powder and fibre the volume of export is greater than the
volume of import.
In order to plant coconut, it can’t be
denied that the farmers might face many challenges. The major challenge facing
the farmers is pests attack. So that, the farmers must know the right ways to
control it because if they handle it with the wrong techniques it will not
reduces the number of pests attack but will increase the number of pests.
To ensure the
coconut plantation continues to grow in Malaysia many actions has been done by
government such as through National Development Plan (2001-2010), Coconut Industry Revitalizing Plan, and Research and
Development activities on coconut. However, we as Malaysian cannot entirely
depend on government alone but jointly help in developing coconut plantation in
Malaysia.
In five years
time, based on the strategies and actions taken by government currently, we are
completely confident that in five years time, the coconut plantation will
continue to grow in Malaysia and will become one of the major industrial crop
that contributes a large portion in the overall economy of Malaysia.
Based on the
research that has been done, it can be said that the coconut plantation in
Malaysia are still actively cultivated even though it is currently in fourth
place in industrial crop after oil palm, rubber, and paddy. It is possible that
one day coconut can be the main contributor to the Malaysian economy.
5.0 OVERALL RECOMMENDATION
The government must provide growers by giving subsidy to start planting
the coconut. Any financial assistance to growers undertaking coconut plantation
is very much needed. This is due to the costs of coconut production (for 1516
fertilizer, labour, and working capital) soared high by nearly 90 percent.
Researchers need to develop
other technological packages that would be privately and socially
profitable. Additional market and
product research might also be done to increase value added from coconut
products such as coconut oil, coconut charcoal, and fibre products.
Area of plantation should be organized and planned wisely to
prevent area wastage and damaging of soil in that area. The planting decision
should be given thorough consideration to avoid forgoing the opportunity to
plant other crop.
APPENDICES
Appendix A
Question for interviews
Name :
Position:
Date : 16/4/2012
Questions:
1.
What is the current status of coconut plantation in
Malaysia?
2.
Which is greater in volume, import or export of
coconut in Malaysia?
3.
Why coconut is not the major plantation in Malaysia?
4.
Is the coconut production for local or foreign market?
5.
What are the species of coconut planted in Malaysia?
6.
In 2009, Malaysia ranked 10th as coconut
exporter in the world. Now where does Malaysia stand among other countries in
the world for coconut exporter?
7.
Which state has the largest coconut plantation in
Malaysia?
8.
How would you describe the demand for coconut in
Malaysia?
9.
How much coconut do we import?
10.
What can the publics do to support the coconut
industries in Malaysia?
11.
What has been done by government to ensure that
coconut plantation will not die in Malaysia?
12.
If there is not enough supply for domestic coconut,
from which country will we import the coconut?
13.
Is there any scientific method to accelerate the
growth or maturity of coconut plant?
14.
Does Malaysia adopt high technology in order to plant
the coconut?
15.
What is the risk or problem that may be arise for
coconut producer?
16.
Are there any possibilities that we are able to
produce new coconut gene in the future?
17.
What is the
difference between coconut that plant in Malaysia with other countries such as
Indonesia and Philippine in term of size, taste and shape?
18.
Recently, is there any action taken replant coconut
tree since the number of coconut plantation in Malaysia keeps decreasing?
19.
What is the commodity price of coconut in Malaysian
market?
20.
How does the coconut crop contribute to our income and
to our economy?
21.
What will happen to coconut plantation in Malaysia in
5 years time? Is there any major plan for its growth?
1
Appendix B
The pictures in MARDI, Serdang.
Muhamad Yuszairi b. Ahmad & Muhammad Hakim b. Suhaili
Siti Nurbaya bt Mohamadiah
Noorasmareena bt Che Ab Latif
7.0 REFERENCES
1.
Oliver, J. (1985). Coconut Genetic Resources. Florida:
Harcourt Brace Jovannovich,Inc.
2.
Oropeza, C. (1988). Current Advances in Coconut
Biotechnology. United States: Thomson funch, Inc.
3.
Howard, F. (1987). Insects on Palms. Canada:
Mathew South-Western.
4. Robert, W. (1990). The Problems of Applied Entomology. Singapura: Mc Graw-Hill.
5.
Coconut Plantation. Retrieved April 3,2012, from
http://www.fao.org/docrep/007/htm
6 Coconut Tree. Retrieved April 10, 2012, from http://www.indexmundi.com/commodities=coconut=myr.
7. Top 10 Producer of Coconut Countries. Retrieved
April 10 2012 from http://www.fao.org/corp/statistics/en/
