Observing World Coconut Day

Every part of the coconut is used from the water inside the shell to the outer husk.

Guyanese are well familiar with the coconut; coconut water — available from vendors on the streets — quench our thirst as Guyanese go about our daily business in the heat of the day; coconut milk is an integral ingredient in cook-up; and, fuel, cosmetics, folk medicine and building materials are also derived from the coconut. Perhaps, most importantly, coconuts — apart from being entrenched in Guyanese culture — is a major contributor to Guyana’s economy.

The coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) is a member of the palm tree family, and the term “coconut” (or the old name “cocoanut”) can refer to the whole coconut palm, the seed, or the fruit. Coconuts were first domesticated about 12,000 years ago by the Austronesian peoples in Southeast Asia and were spread via their seaborne migrations as far east as the Pacific Islands, and as far west as Madagascar and the Comoros.

Coconuts played a critical role in the long sea voyages of Austronesians by providing a portable source of food and water, as well as providing building materials for Austronesian outrigger boats. Coconuts later spread throughout the world by sailors from India, Arabia, and Europe. Coconuts arrived in the Americas during the colonial era.

The coconut is important to Guyana’s economy; it is the third largest earner of revenue in the agricultural sector. Guyana currently produces about 92 million nuts per year. This crop is cultivated extensively along the coastal regions, mainly along the Pomeroon River, the Essequibo Coast, East Demerara, West Berbice and on the Corentyne Coast. The Ministry of Agriculture has assessed the area under production to be about 24,000 hectares.

In 2021, Guyana earned some $2.1 billion from the export of coconuts or coconut products. That is a lot of money.

A report by Global Coconut Market Research states, “Coconut oil is widely consumed by the cosmetics industry for manufacturing products, for hair and skincare applications such as hair oils and soaps. Coconut oil-based personal care products have gained higher traction in the personal care industry due to its emollient properties. Huge demand for coconut oil in the cosmetics industry and an increase in its popularity in food applications are likely to drive the coconut oil market.” The report notes that, “global coconut market size was roughly US$1,200 million in 2020 and is expected to reach US$ 20,630 million by the end of 2027.”

Guyana, having a climate ideal for coconut cultivation, is well poised to take advantage of the enormous earning potential of the coconut. As such, while many Guyanese eyes are focused on oil and gas, authorities may be well advised to avoid neglecting other sectors that could contribute significantly to our development. With that in mind, it is encouraging that in late 2021, four new coconut seedling nurseries were established with the capacity to produce approximately 48,000 coconut seedlings every year.

Considering the versatility of the coconut and its importance to human wellbeing in terms of its various benefits and uses, it is fitting that a day be set aside to bring attention to the crop. One hopes that Guyana will continue to recognise the potential advantages of promoting the cultivation of coconuts, and continue to benefit from this remarkable plant.