Kwale County launches initiative to save coconut trees from extinction
By Mishi Gongo |
The seedlings were distributed in the 20 wards in the county. The first beneficiaries were residents of Tsimba Golini ward with each farmer receiving five seedlings each.
Kwale County has raised concern over the rising cutting down of coconut trees by locals, stating that if the cutting is not halted immediately, the tree may become extinct.
The county made this announcement while delivering 5000 brid coconut seedlings to combat the county's declining coconut production.
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Speaking on Wednesday during the flagging ceremony at the county headquarters, Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani decried the decline in the number of coconut trees leading to low production.
"The rising usage of coconut stem as building materials substitute has led to the depletion of the tree. Coconut has been a source of livelihood for the coastal people. Let us refrain from cutting down the tree," she said.
The seedlings were distributed in the 20 wards in the county. The first beneficiaries were residents of Tsimba Golini ward with each farmer receiving five seedlings each.
The governor said that there were numerous investors interested in coconut products in the county but farmers could not meet the demand.
"There are investors who want to invest fully in the production of coconut products for value chain addition but coconut farming has gone down. Right now we as the county government are working to ensure that the variety of coconut planted is the best," Governor Fatuma said.
Locals from Tsimba Golini ward gather outside the Kwale county headquarters to receive coconut seedlings. Photo: Mishi Gongo
"In the coming budget year, we will ensure we procure the hybrid seedlings from India," she said, giving farmers confidence that the seedling distribution is just the beginning.
The county government is working to get the best variety of coconut trees in the market.
The residents noted the distribution came at an opportune time, given the ongoing rains.
They urged the county administration to establish a coconut processing factory in the area so that farmers may reap the most benefits from their yields.
Athman Mohamed, a resident of Tsimba Golini ward, complimented the governor for making the effort to provide them with seedlings just before the heavy rains began.
He encouraged other farmers to take advantage of the opportunity and increase production.
Golini MCA Omar Mwaboza encouraged locals to plant new coconut trees before cutting the old ones.
He said the cutting of the tree for timber has led to the decline.
"Locals cut the trees every day under the pretence that they are old and no longer produce fruits. However, as we stand even the budding trees are getting cut down. Keeping a coconut tree is a lifetime investment because all its products can be used for various purposes let greed not lead us to destroy our heritage," he said.
He added that coconut trees used to provide a source of income for many families in the region, but that is no longer the case owing to neglect. He urged farmers to prepare adequately since investors like Kentaste Company are looking for the produce.
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