Introduction
Coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) is a tropical plant that grows favourably within latitudes 20◦ north and south of the equater. Pakistan is facing a chronic deficit of edible oil. Considering its importance, the PARC made efforts in 1980 to introduce it in coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan.
Technology Development, Demonstration and Recommendation
Coastal area of Pakistan has a sub-tropical climate considered suitable for coconut cultivation. Therefore, 200 coconuts imported from Sri Lanka (1980) were raised and studied at CARS Karachi to gather information on their local performance and develop technology for popularizing coconut cultivation amongst the farmers. Later in 1983, 50,000 seed nuts were distributed in Balochistan and Sindh province. The scientists of Plant Introduction Center, Karachi developed the technology on nursery management production.
The Technology
Coconut is propagated by seed and planting is preferably carried out in rainy season of July-August. Tall varieties in square requires (25’x25’) 79 and Dwarf (22×22) 90 nuts/acre. In rectangular plantation tall (18’x35’) 69 and dwarf (18×27) 89 nut/acre are needed. A 2’ diameter and 3’ deep pit filled with loamy soil and FYM (2:1) should house a single plant in the middle that requires 5-10 liters of water/day. An adult plant needs 50 liters of water. About 5-10 kg FYM along with NPK (2:3:3) fertilizer be applied every six months ranging from 225 grams in first year to 1 kg from fifth year onwards.
Key References
Annonymous. (2001). Urdu Pamphlet “ Narial Ki Kasht; uskay zarar rasan kiray of bimaryun ka tadaruk, PARC 2004.
Ahmad, Z. and S. Soliaman. (1982). Agro-technology for coconut growing Progressive Forming, 2(8): 27-20.
Reference : http://www.parc.gov.pk
