The Assistant Minister in the Prime Minister’s office, Sakiusa Tubuna, says the Coalition Government and Pacific community (SPC) will introduce the coconut bu (green coconuts) orchard workshop to more farming communities.
Mr Tubuna made the announcement after successfully conducting a workshop and demonstration at Vakacoko settlement in Naboro this week.
He told The Fiji Times the workshop would be conducted at farming communities near Vakacoko and gradually have it extended from there.
“This is a start and we will look further into it,” he said.
“We hope to reach out to more farming communities with this initiative.”
Mr Tubuna said they planned to introduce coconut bu to Year 1 students in the country, similar to the Weetbix supply by the previous government.
“There are approximately 8000 Year 1 students in Suva and 4000 bu nuts would be required.
“That’s in the Suva region alone. Imagine the demand to cater for this.”
Pacific Ccommunity (SPC) soil scientist Dr Rohit Lal said 18 breeds of coconuts were available locally and these were potential sources of income.
According to Dr Lal’s research:
- 400 litres of virgin coconut oil is valued at $4000
- One tonne of copra is valued at $1200
- Magimagi is valued at $100 per meter; and
- 6000 bu coconuts are valued at $12,000.
