The Dominican minister of Agriculture, Luis Ramón Rodríguez, informed that the ministry is carrying out a project for the redevelopment and renovation of the country's coconut plantations, with the goal of increasing the domestic production volumes.
He explained that around 2 million new plants were cultivated last year, and that another two million will be planted before the end of 2014. The program aims not only to introduce new varieties, but also to maintain the native one, which is considered an essential part of the Dominican Republic's touristic landscape.
Coconut plantations, which have been affected by both illnesses and the weather, are run by more than 5,000 producers from different production areas.
Rodríguez said that the ministry has 72,000 germinating seeds in nurseries located in the regions of Nagua, Sánchez and Samaná.
Rodríguez explained that the renovation programme also includes cleaning and application of pesticides, among other cultural practices intended to keep the plants healthy.
Rodríguez also stated that the programme will entail the recovery of all damages caused by hurricane Jeanne, in 2004, which destroyed 30% of the plantations.
Source: SEA