A consultative meeting was held by the International Coconut Community (ICC) and the Department of Agriculture (DOA) in Thailand from April 26–27, 2025, to address the pressing issue of low-yielding aromatic coconut plantations. Organized by the Horticulture Research Institute (HRI) under the DOA, the meeting brought together international experts, DOA officers, and ICC representatives to analyze challenges and explore solutions.
On April 26, participants visited aromatic coconut farms in Ratchaburi province, beginning at Koh San Phra Subdistrict in Wat Phleng District, followed by a visit to Royal Thai Aromatic Coconut Co., Ltd. in Bang Phae Subdistrict, and concluding at the Royal Company aromatic coconut plantation and K-fresh Co., Ltd. These site visits allowed experts and officials to conduct field assessments, engage directly with farmers and entrepreneurs, and gain firsthand insights into the challenges faced by local growers.
The main consultative meeting was held on April 27 at the HRI building. Ms. Kanjana Thongna, Director of the Horticulture Research Institute, DOA, and ANLO of ICC, opened the session with welcome remarks and an overview of the meeting's objectives. She emphasized HRI's mission to enhance horticulture, develop production technologies, and transfer knowledge, highlighting the institute's network of ten research centers across Thailand, focusing on crops such as coconut, mango, and herbs.
Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw, Director General of ICC, expressed gratitude for ICC's support and acknowledged the contributions of technical experts from the Philippines, India, and Sri Lanka. The expert panel included Dr. K. Balachandra Hebbar, Director of the Central Plantation Crop Research Institute (CPCRI), India, Dr. Anjana Atapattu, Head of the Agronomy Division at the Coconut Research Institute (CRI), Sri Lanka, and Prof. Dr. Celia Medina, Director of the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of the Philippines, Los Baños. These experts shared their observations from the field visits, identifying climate change as a significant factor affecting coconut yields. High temperatures, low relative humidity, water deficits, and prolonged dry spells were cited as the main contributors to reduced productivity. Farmers reported reduced flowering, poor nut set, smaller nut size, and lower nut quality. However, pest and disease incidence remained minimal.
The meeting concluded with a session focused on formulating recommendations to enhance coconut resilience. Dr. K. Balachandra Hebbar guided this process, leading to strategies such as soil and plant-based nutrient management, plant tissue analysis, improved soil moisture retention, efficient water management, optimized planting spacing, and targeted research initiatives. These recommendations aimed to strengthen adaptation strategies and inform future breeding and management practices.
Mrs. Wilaiwan Twishsri, Director of the Academic Division at HRI, officially closed the meeting, expressing appreciation to the ICC for sponsoring the participation of the three technical experts. The consultative meeting marked an important step toward addressing the challenges faced by Thailand's aromatic coconut sector. By combining international expertise and local knowledge, the DOA and HRI aim to revitalize this vital agricultural sector and ensure its sustainability in the face of evolving environmental conditions.
For more information:
International Coconut Community
Tel: +62 21 3100556 557
Email: [email protected]
www.coconutcommunity.org