The Permanent Secretary for Agriculture Colonel Mason Smith today confirmed that Government has carried major restructures in the coconut industry to ensure maximum returns from the industry.
Colonel Smith said after the abrogation of Coconut Industry Development Authority (CIDA) by Cabinet in April, the coconut research and extension division is now with the Department of Agriculture while Copra Millers Fiji was transferred to a management unit within the Ministry of Finance.
“As a result, the extension services will be transferred to the Wainigata Research Station, Savusavu and the research division moved to Taveuni Coconut Centre in Mua,” Colonel Smith said.
“The will also be some staff transfers in December to cater for these restructures.
“In addition, a upgrade to the laboratory in Mua will be conducted to cater for coconut pests namely the rhinoceros beetle and stick insect,” Colonel Smith said.
He also said that the Mua laboratory will also cater for soil tests to improve the Dalo industry.
Colonel Smith said plans are there to build a whole nut processing facility in Wainigata and Mua to provide training for youths on virgin coconut oil production, activated carbon, the use of magimagi and more coconut production.
“A National Coconut Forum is scheduled for the 27th of August 2010 where these issues will be thrashed to stakeholders,” Colonel Smith said.
One of the major issue that will be discussed in this Forum will be the processing and product standards.
“Once we get the standard right it will be submitted to Cabinet for their approval.
“This is vital to be able to market our products at a higher cost,” Colonel Smith said.
Colonel Smith said another issue to be discussed is the possibility of going organic.
“Cicia island has proven its potential of making organic virgin coconut oil.
“We need to make sure this is duplicated in the coconut growing areas in Fiji,” Colonel Smith said.
He added that there is great potential in the coconut industry because coconut producers worldwide have still has not met the demand in the market.