Coconut farming Profit per Acre

Coconut farming 

In tropical and subtropical areas, coconuts are widely farmed and are used in food, medicine, cosmetics, and religious ceremonies. It is a staple of agriculture in many communities across the world due to its economic worth and adaptability.

Coconut farming profit per acre increase from 6th year ownwards for both the varieties, tall and dwarf.The process of farming begins with an initial investment of NRs. 331,500 per acre for tall types and NRs. 455,600 per acre for dwarf variants. The cost of dwarf kinds is higher since they require more upkeep and have more saplings. Beginning in the second year, annual maintenance expenditures range from NRs. 50,000 to NRs. 100,000 per acre, with a 5% annual increase to reflect escalating labor and input costs. In order to guarantee healthy growth and optimize yields, proper management during this time is essential.

Dwarf varieties generate higher income due to their greater yield per acre, with income rising significantly from the 6th year onward and peaking during the 11–20-year period. While both tall and dwarf varieties are profitable, dwarf varieties offer higher long-term returns per acre due to their higher planting density (94 plants per hectare compared to 63 for tall varieties) and consistent yields. Tall varieties, though more resilient and longer-lived, are less economically attractive than dwarf varieties, which benefit from early fruiting and efficient land use. Proper management practices, such as timely fertilization, irrigation, and pest control, are essential to maximize the potential of both varieties.

Land Preparation

Land preparation for coconut farming involves clearing the land of weeds, bushes, and stones, followed by ploughing to loosen the soil and enhance aeration. The land is then leveled to ensure proper drainage, as waterlogging can damage coconut plants, and soil improvement is achieved by incorporating organic matter such as farmyard manure, compost, or green manure.

Soil Type

Coconut cultivation thrives in well-drained soils such as sandy loam, laterite, or coastal alluvial soil, with an optimal pH range of 5.2 to 8.0, and proper drainage is crucial to prevent root rot and ensure healthy growth.

Climatic Requirements

Coconut cultivation requires an optimal temperature range of 27°C–32°C, though it can tolerate 20°C–37°C, along with annual rainfall of 1,500–2,500 mm, with supplementary irrigation necessary in low-rainfall areas, and bright sunlight exposure of at least 6–8 hours per day for healthy growth.

Major Cultivars

a). Tall Varieties

Tall varieties of coconut are long-lived, with a lifespan of 80–90 years, and thrive in diverse soils such as littoral sands, red loams, and laterites. They are resistant to pests and diseases, grow to a height of 15–18 meters, and begin bearing fruit in 8–10 years. The nuts are medium to large in size, with colors ranging from green, yellow, and orange to brown, and yield approximately 6,000 nuts per ton of copra. Popular tall varieties include West Coast Tall, East Coast Tall, Chandrakalpa , Philippines Ordinary, VPM-3, Aliyar Nagar 1, Tiptur Tall, and Kera Sagara.

b). Dwarf Varieties

Dwarf coconut varieties are characterized by their shorter stature, growing to a height of 5–7 meters, and they begin bearing fruit as early as 3 years, reaching regular production by 9 years. With a lifespan of 40–50 years, these varieties are more susceptible to drought. The nuts are small in size, appearing in colors such as green, orange, and yellow, and weigh approximately 85 grams with an oil content of 65%. Popular dwarf varieties include Chowghat Orange Dwarf  and Chowghat Green Dwarf, and Malayan Yellow Dwarf.

c). Hybrid Varieties

Hybrid coconut varieties are developed by crossing Tall and Dwarf varieties, resulting in early flowering, higher yields, and superior copra and oil quality. These hybrids are categorized into two types: Tall x Dwarf (TD), where the tall variety is the female parent, and Dwarf x Tall (DT), where the Dwarf variety is the female parent. They thrive under optimal nutrient and irrigation management, offering benefits such as increased nut yield, higher copra and oil production, and better overall quality compared to their parent varieties. Hybrid varieties include Kera Sankara, Chandrasankara, Kerasree.

Planting

a). Planting Season

Ideal during monsoon (June–July). Can also be planted in post-monsoon (September–October) in irrigated areas.

b). Method of planting

Coconut planting is generally done in a square system of planting. In the square method of planting, palms are spaced at equal distances along rows and columns, creating a square grid pattern. This method is easier to manage and implement but results in a lower planting density compared to the triangular method.

c). Spacing

For coconut cultivation, spacing varies with tall varieties planted at 8 m × 8 m and dwarf varieties at 6.5 m × 6.5 m. In an 8-meter spaced coconut holding, about 75% of the land remains underutilized by the palms, as the active root zone is confined to a 2-meter radius from the bole, with 95% of the roots located within 0–120 cm below the ground. This allows for intercropping with fruit crops, vegetables, spices, beverages, tuber crops, cereals, and legumes, which thrive in the unused space.

d). Pit Preparation

To produce the best circumstances for seedling growth, prepare pits in coconut farming by digging 1 m × 1 m × 1 m pits and filling them with a mixture of topsoil, compost, and powdered rock phosphate. A few weeks before planting, add 10-15 kg of compost and 300 g of super phosphate.

e). Number of Plants per Acre

The number of plants per acre varies based on the variety, with tall varieties accommodating approximately 63 palms and dwarf varieties supporting around 96 palms when using the square method of planting.

Intercropping

Intercropping in coconut farming involves cultivating suitable crops like banana, pineapple, black pepper, cocoa, or vegetables such as legumes, which not only enhance income but also improve soil health. Sun-loving plants can be grown under coconut palms less than 5 years old due to the wider canopy spacing during this period. Annual crops like elephant foot yam, tapioca, sweet potato, ginger, turmeric, coleus, and yam can generate significant profits for coconut growers.

Among these, elephant foot yam followed by ginger yields the highest net return per hectare, though they are more labor-intensive compared to tapioca and sweet potato. Intercropping with tuber crops doubles employment potential per unit area compared to sole coconut cultivation. Studies show that intercropping tuber crops have no adverse effect on coconut yield, provided the same intercrop is not grown consecutively and both the intercrop and coconut are adequately and separately manured. A 5% increase in coconut yield was observed when crops like tapioca, elephant foot yam, sweet potato, ginger, and turmeric rotated as intercrops.

Irrigation

Soil moisture is a critical factor in coconut production, especially in areas with prolonged dry spells or irregular rainfall. To combat this, irrigation becomes necessary during the summer months, with water applied in basins around each palm. The water requirement depends on soil type and climate, but an adult palm typically needs 600–800 liters every 4–7 days. Basins should be 1.8 meters in radius and 10–20 cm deep. In coastal sandy soils, seawater can be used to irrigate adult palms, but it is unsuitable for seedlings or young palms under two years old.

Once irrigation has started, it must be continued consistently and methodically because stopping it can seriously impair yield and palm health in coconut gardens. The most effective technique is drip irrigation since it uses less electricity, less water, and less effort. By maintaining steady soil moisture, this method promotes robust development and increases coconut farming productivity.

Irrigation Schedule for Coconut Plants

Fertilizer and Manure

For healthy growth and high yield, coconut trees require balanced nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Proper fertilizer management, based on soil testing results, helps improve the crop’s quality and productivity.

Fertigation Schedule for Coconut Plants

a). Time, Frequency, and Method of Fertilizer Application

Fertilizers should be applied when the soil has sufficient moisture. Under rainfed conditions, fertilizers are applied in two split doses: one-third during April-June and two-thirds in September-October. For irrigated conditions, fertilizers are applied in three or four equal doses in April-May, August-September, December, and February-March.

Organic matter is applied in June and July, magnesium sulphate in August and September, and lime or dolomite in April and May. An adult palm needs 0.5 kg of MgSO4 and 1 kg of lime each year. After the commencement of the southwest monsoon, circular basins that are 10 cm deep and 2.0 m from the palm’s base are opened to apply fertilizers and manures. Moreover, split doses can be applied throughout the summer using irrigation water.

b). Magnesium and Boron Application

For adult coconut plantations, 500 g of MgSO4 per palm per year is recommended. Boron deficiency, which causes malformed leaves, nut cracking, and drying of female flowers, can be corrected by applying 50 g of Borax per tree twice at monthly intervals after symptoms appear. In root (wilt) disease-affected areas, 300 g of Borax per seedling and 500 g per adult tree are recommended. Additionally, applying 500 g of MgO per palm helps manage root (wilt) disease and restores palm vigor and productivity.

c). Biofertilizer Recommendation

Biofertilizers are beneficial for coconut palms, as the root regions host nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The recommended biofertilizers include 50 g of Azospirillum, 50 g of Phosphobacteria, and 50 g of mycorrhiza (VAM) per palm. These biofertilizers enhance soil fertility and support healthy palm growth.

In addition, Salt fertilizers, particularly sodium chloride (NaCl), are an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to boost coconut production by enhancing crop growth, increasing copra weight, and reducing leaf spot damage. They are the cheapest source of chlorine, improving copra yield per nut and tree. In regions with uniform rainfall, annual fertilization is recommended, while areas with distinct wet and dry seasons or sandy soils benefit from semi-annual applications. A long-term study suggests 1.5 kg NaCl per tree annually is optimal for maximizing copra yield. Split applications during the pre-bearing stage (1-4 years) minimize nutrient loss through leaching and run-off, ensuring fertilizer efficiency (Magat, 1999).

Weed Control

Perennial and annual weeds frequently take over unused space beneath coconut plantations, competing with the trees for nutrients and moisture in the soil, which hinders growth, yield, and standard estate operations. 20% of production expenses go on weed control, which drastically lowers profitability. Mixed cropping systems and intercropping based on coconuts are practical and profitable ways to deal with this. These techniques improve coconut yield, decrease weed populations, and provide soil mulch when paired with appropriate intercultivation. Plowing, digging, raking, and mound creation are examples of tillage techniques that can be used to reduce weeds and enhance soil health, depending on the local conditions.

For effective weed management, the inter-space in coconut gardens should be ploughed twice a year, in June–July and December–January. Broad-leaved weeds can be controlled through pre-emergence spraying of atrazine at 1.0 kg a.i./ha, while post-emergence spraying of glyphosate (10 ml) mixed with 20 g ammonium sulphate and 2 ml soap solution per litre of water is recommended for non-selective weed control. These practices help maintain weed-free plantations and optimize coconut production.

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests

a). Rhinoceros beetle

Damage symptoms include a cut or toppled central spindle, fully opened fronds with distinctive diamond-shaped cuttings, and holes surrounded by chewed fibers at the base of the central spindle.

Management

Set up rhinolure pheromone trap @ 1/ 2 ha to trap and kill the beetles.

Apply 150g of neem seed powder or kernel powder mixed with sand (1:2) at the base of the three innermost crown leaves per palm.

b). Red Palm Weevil

Damage symptoms include holes on the trunk with brownish ooze, yellowing of inner leaves, and gradual wilting of the central shoot in the crown.

Management

Every three months, cover the crown and axils of the top three leaves with a 2:1 combination of fine sand and neem seed or kernel powder to avoid damage by rhinoceros beetles and to discourage the laying of eggs by red palm weevils.

c). Bark Weevil

Symptoms of damage include reddening of petioles and trunks, particularly around wounds, and trees exhibiting signs of stem bleeding disease.

Management

Inject 0.2% fenthion or 0.2% dichlorvos into the stem using a stove wick, plug the hole, and repeat the treatment with the same wick and hole after one month.

d). Black headed caterpillar

Symptoms of damage include dried-up patches on the leaflets of lower leaves and the presence of silk galleries and frass on the underside of the leaflets.

Management
In the event of a major epidemic breakout of the pest in young palms, thoroughly spray the underside of the leaves with 50 EC 0.05% (1mi/lit) of malathion.

Common Diseases

a). Bud rot

One or two younger leaves turning yellow is the first sign. The spindle leaves have black dots on them. The leaf’s basal tissues decompose rapidly and are readily separated from the crown. As the infection spreads to the older leaves, the entire leaf blade becomes covered in sunken leaf spots.

Management

Use Bordeaux mixture and remove infected parts.

b). Stem bleeding

Stem bleeding is identified by the exudation of a dark reddish-brown liquid from cracks and wounds on the stem, which trickles down and dries into a black crust as the disease progresses. The lesions spread upward, causing underlying tissues to rot, turning yellow and then black. In severe cases, the trunk interior decays, leading to hollowing, while the outer leaves yellow, dry, and shed prematurely. This extensive damage reduces bunch production, causes nut fall, and in chronic cases, results in a tapered trunk apex and a smaller crown size.

c). Leaf Rot

The first symptom of root-wilt affected palms is water-soaked brown lesions on spear leaves, which enlarge and coalesce, causing extensive rotting. As the leaf unfurls, the dried, rotten portions break off in the wind, giving the leaves a ‘fan’ shape. In severe cases, the spear fails to unfurl entirely.

Harvesting

Coconuts are harvested at different stages depending on their intended use. For seed, copra, and culinary purposes, 12-month-old nuts are harvested every 30–45 days, while 7–8-month-old nuts are picked for tender coconut. Nuts harvested at 11 months are ideal for high-quality coir fiber. Tall variety nuts can be stored for 2–3 months before sowing, whereas dwarf and hybrid nuts must be sown within 10–15 days of harvest. On average, eight harvests are possible annually. For oil extraction, nuts are sun-dried or dried using kiln, electric, or solar driers to produce copra with 5–6% moisture content, which is then stored in polythene-coated gunny bags. Under rainfed conditions, West Coast Tall palms yield 1.7–2 tons of oil per hectare.

Harvesting is typically done by climbing the tree using a rope or ladder. The climber checks the maturity of the nuts by tapping them and cuts the bunches, which are either dropped to the ground or lowered with a rope for tender nuts. During harvesting, dry leaves and spathes are removed, and in some regions, lowermost green leaves are cut for thatching, though this can reduce yield. In areas with shorter trees, a knife attached to a long bamboo pole is used. For ball copra, nuts are left on the tree until fully ripe and dry.

Total Cost of Investment per Acre Coconut Farming

All costs mentioned are in Nepalese Currency (NRs.).

Cost of Investment per Acre (NRs.)

Annual Maintenance Cost Per Acre Coconut Farming

After the initial investment in coconut farming, annual maintenance costs are incurred starting from the second year onwards. These costs typically range between NRs. 50,000 to NRs. 100,000 per acre and are subject to a 5% annual increment to account for inflation, rising labor costs, and increasing prices of inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.

Total Income from 1 Acre Coconut Farming

Profitability Analysis of 1 Acre Coconut Farming

a). Initial Investment

The initial investment for coconut farming is NRs. 331,500 per acre for tall varieties and NRs. 455,600 per acre for dwarf varieties, with the higher cost for dwarf varieties attributed to the need for more saplings and increased maintenance requirements.

b). Annual Maintenance

NRs. 50,000–100,000 per acre from the second year onwards, with a 5% annual increment.

c). Income

Dwarf varieties generate higher income due to their greater yield per acre, with income rising significantly from the 6th year onward and reaching its peak during the 11–20-year period.

d). Long-Term Profitability

Both tall and dwarf coconut varieties are profitable, but dwarf varieties provide higher long-term returns per acre due to their higher planting density (94 plants per hectare compared to 63 for tall varieties) and greater annual yield, especially during their peak productive years (6-20 years). While tall varieties have a longer lifespan and may be more resilient, the dwarf varieties’ early fruiting, consistent yields, and efficient land use make them more economically attractive for maximizing profitability per unit area. Proper management practices, such as timely fertilization, irrigation, and pest control, are crucial to achieving the full potential of both varieties.