CARDI Urges Greater Use of Technology in Coconut Industry

The Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) is calling for greater use of technology by stakeholders within the coconut industry. 

Speaking in a recent interview with JIS News, Executive Director for CARDI,  Ansari Hosein, said the application of technology will help farmers and agro-processors lower their production costs. 

He noted that employing technology tools also helps in identifying pests at an early stage. 

“One such technology we found is a digital sensor, that helps you detect the movement of the South American palm weevil, which carries the nematode that causes red ring disease of coconuts (not present in Jamaica). It is like a seismic reading, so early detection will help you possibly save the tree,” he said. 

Mr. Hosein, who was in the island for the Regional Coconut Workshop, which ran from March 4 to 8 at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston, further cited opportunities for producers to innovate to tap into the export market. 

“I think what we need to also do is go in the direction of producing non-conventional items like wood and paper products. There’s a drive to move away from plastic and Styrofoam food containers, for example. 

“So, we want producers in the Caribbean to be able to tap into all the export opportunities that are available, not just the coconut water as a product but the tree, the fibre, the leaves and so on. Meet your local demand first and then try to tap into the export market,” he said. 

For details on how to join the coconut producing sector and to become a coconut farmer, click here or call the Coconut Industry Board at 876-926-1770.