Organic tender coconut farming aims at sustainable, and soil-centric practices. Coconut cultivation and Coconut farming are excellent in coastal states like
- Tamil Nadu,
- Kerala,
- Karnataka, and Maharashtra
- Andhra Pradesh,
- and Maharashtra
Coconut farming is the most profitable and sustainable practice. This organic tender coconut farming avoids synthetic fertilizers and uses
- Compost manure,
- Farmyard manure,
- And green manures.
Here, the people apply organic manures like compost and neem cake. They recycle garden waste for mulching and nutrients purposes. They totally avoid genetically modified organisms. Successful coconut farming needs proper care in
- Selecting appropriate tender coconut varieties,
- Planting,
- And irrigation.
Procedure of Organic Tender Coconut Farming
Conditioning the soil for coconut farming
Health of the soil is important. Soil health is the basic foundation of organic farming. It involves the use of natural manure in the soil. The natural manure encourages and allows soil microbes to thrive in the soil.
The proper steps of soil preparation for Coconut farming.
- Clearing the soil – The weeds and debris are to be removed. Ploughing and levelling must be done properly.
- Create pits – Create pits of size – 3 ft x 3 ft x 3 ft.
- Filling the pits – Pits must be filled with proper soil mixture.
- Maintaining proper spacing
- Tall varieties – 7.5m x 7.5m (175 palms/ha)
- Dwarf varieties – 6.5m x 6.5m (230 palms/ha)
Applying organic manures
Regular application of organic manures is essential. The organic manures provide essential nutrients to the palms. The most used organic manures are listed below
- Neem cake,
- Farmyard manure,
- Compost manure,
- And vermicomposting.
Maintaining proper nutrient management
The nutrient management involves the recycling of waste from the coconut garden. It also includes biomass. This kind of nutrient management helps to meet a substantial portion of the garden’s nutrient needs. Balanced nutrition is a must for a high coconut yield. The following annual dose per tree (after 3 years) is to be maintained.
- The quantity of Potassium (K) – 1200g,
- The quantity of Nitrogen (N) – 500g,
- The quantity of FYM or compost – 50 kg,
- The quantity of Phosphorus (P) – 320g,
- Reasonable quantity of Micronutrients like boron and magnesium if needed
The Application of fertilizers can happen in two split doses as below
- Pre-monsoon
- Post-monsoon
Incorporating bio-pesticides
Proper care has to be taken for pest and disease control. Natural and organic methods are to be followed. Synthetic pesticides must be avoided. It is always better to incorporate bio-pesticides or copper-based fungicides whenever the situation demands. Commonly used pests are as below
- Coconut mite pest – Here, neem oil and sulfur are sprayed. The proper spraying at the right time is important.
- Rhinoceros beetle pest – Using pheromone traps, and neem oil spray.
- Red palm weevil pest – Here the infected trees will be removed. Biological control methods will be applied.
- Coconut mite pest – Spraying the neem oil and sulfur together.
Planting perfect seedings
Pure and organic produce must be used. Hence, it is always better to source. Non-genetically modified (non-GMO) seedings. They ensure pure and organic produce.
Choosing the right variety of coconut is important. The 3 major varieties are listed below
- Tall coconut varieties – They have a very good life-span. They yield well during their life-span. The most popular tall coconut varieties are
- West Coast Tall,
- East Coast Tall.
- Dwarf coconut varieties – They are an excellent choice for high-density farming. They are of early-bearing nature. The most popular dwarf coconut varieties are
- Malayan Dwarf,
- Gangabondam.
- Hybrid coconut varieties
They are well known for their early fruiting and high yield. The most famous dwarf coconut varieties are
- Chandra Sankara,
- Kera Sankara.
Selecting the best varieties is based on
- Climate,
- Market needs,
- And land size.
Steps involved in the cultivation practices
Selecting the best time for planting
- The period June–July is the monsoon onset period.
- The period Sept–Oct is the post-monsoon period.
- Selecting the best time for planting will yield best results on time. Always a proper importance is given to the season. And also the availability of water depends on the season. TNAU Agritech Portal recommends the best time for planting is May-June or September.
- Immediately supply water after planting. Providing a proper shade for young seedlings is a must.
Application of proper quantity of organic manure
Application of proper quantity of organic manure ensures high productivity. 20-50 kg of organic manure per palm annually is ideal. Additional care has to be taken for the rainy seasons.
Using Mulching method
In this method the organic waste from the garden is used to cover the soil. This type of coverage will help to retain the moisture and suppress the weeds. Particularly the mulching with coconut husks or dry leaves is great. It helps to retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation.
Using Jeevamrutha method
In this method an organic liquid fertilizer is used. This organic liquid fertilizer will promote soil microbes. The soil microbes are essential for best plant growth.
Intercropping for extra results
Soil fertility of coconut farms can be increased by intercropping with
- Vegetable plants of Beans, okra, chilies
- Spices like ginger, and turmeric,
- Fruits like banana, and pineapple
- And legumes like groundnut, and cowpea.
This not only enriches soil fertility, they also reduce weed growth.
Benefits of Organic Tender Coconut Farming
- It improves soil health and fertility.
- It is totally pollution free and environment friendly.
- It yields nutritious and healthy final products. The final products suit well with the global trends toward healthy eating.
Market
- The demand for organic and export-grade coconut products is great and rising consistently.
- The farmers can enjoy the rising demand for coconut products both domestically and globally.
- The farmers can enjoy the best opportunity of diversifying their income.
- This organic certification increases export potential.
Conclusion
- Farmers can achieve high yields and consistent income through Coconut farming.
- Intercropping, organic methods, and value addition will enhance profitability through Coconut farming.
- The long term benefits of coconut farming are great.
