COCONUT

Coconut, which is derived from the old Portuguese word ‘coco’ meaning ‘head’ or ‘skull’, because the eyes and mouth on the brown outer shell reminded them of the grinning face of a monkey. The term “coconut” generally refers to the fruit.

They have been recorded in archaeological excavations and epigraphic inscriptions, in Sanskrit scriptures of religious, agricultural, and Ayurvedic importance, and in historical records as well as travelogues of visitors from China, Arab and Italy. Its usefulness and multiplicity of uses has earned it epithets like “Tree of life”, “Tree of heaven”, “Tree of abundance” and “Kalpavriksha”. In ancient India, Proto-asteroids (Nisada in Sanskrit literature) and Indus Valley people (3100-2800 BC) used coconut.

By Indian mythology, In Vadakurangaduthurai, Lord Kulavanangeesar is believed to have taken the form of a coconut tree to help quench the thirst of a pregnant woman. In Kerala, Goddess Bhagavati is believed to soul of the coconut tree. One of the Goddess’s common epithets is “Kurumba” which means “tender coconut”. The Indian state of Kerala means the “land of coconuts”. The name derives from “Kera” means the coconut tree and “Alam” means place or Earth.

In the Hainuwelemyth from Maluku, a girl emerges from the blossom of a coconut tree. In Maldivian folklore, one of the main myths of origin reflects the dependence of the Maldivians on the coconut tree. In the story of Sina and the Eel, the origin of the coconut is related as the beautiful woman Sina burying an eel, which eventually became the first coconut.

They were first domesticated by the Austronesian peoples in Island Southeast Asia that is Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and were spread during the Neolithic via their seaborne migrations as far east Pacific islands and as far west as Madagascar and the Comoros. They were also latter spread in historic times along the coasts of the Atlantic and Indian Ocean, the likely center of cultivation was the southern periphery of India, including Sri Lanka, the Maldives and the Laccadive.

They flourish best close to the sea on low-lying areas a few feet above high water where there is circulating groundwater and sufficient rainfall. Coconut is grown under different soil types such as loamy, laterite, coastal sandy, clayey and reclaimed soils of the marshy low lands.  Palms usually start bearing after 5 to 6 years. Full bearing is obtained in 15 years. The annual yield per tree may reach 100, but 50 is considered good. Yields continue profitably until trees are about 50 years old. About 75% of the world’s supply of coconuts is produced by Indonesia, the Philippines and India. They grow throughout the tropics in a band around the world from 20º N 20º S latitudes.

The traditional method of coconut farming, before planting the pits are filled up with topsoil (which is composed of mineral particles, organic matter, water and air) and powdered cow dung /compost up to a depth of 50 to 60 cm. Then take a small pit inside this, so as to accommodate the nut attached to the seedling. Plant the seedling inside this pit and fill up with soil. Press the soil well so as to avoid water stagnation. In laterite, areas apply 2 kg common salt per pit for improving the physical condition of the soil. Burying 25 to 30 coconut husks per pit in layer will be useful for moisture conservation.

The basic irrigation requirement for coconut plants is in areas where water is scarce Drip irrigation system can be adopted. The quantity of water recommended for Drip irrigation in coconut is 66% of the open pan evaporation.

The Harvesting methods for coconut are of two types climbing method and pole method.

Climbing method is the most widespread, but it is also more dangerous and skilled workers. Manually climbing trees is traditional in most countries and requires a specific posture that exerts pressure on the trunk with the feet. Modern methods use hydraulic elevators mounted on tractors or ladders. Mechanical coconut climbing devices and even automated robots have also been recently developed in countries like India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. The pole method uses a long pole with a cutting device at the end.

The Regular manuring from the first year of planting is essential to achieve higher productivity. The organic manure should be applied per palm per year with the onset of monsoon when the soil moisture content is high.

Some of the organic manures are compost, farmyard manure, Bone meal, fish meal, blood meal, neem cake, groundnut cake, etc. Green manures help to increase the organic matter content of the soil and also prevent soil erosion in coconut gardens. Some of the Green manures are Crotalaria juncea, Tephrosia purpurea, Mimosa invisa, Gliricidia maculate.

There are 10 different combinations of hybrids, developed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and released for commercial cultivation. Laccadive Ordinary, Andaman Ordinary, Philippines, java, Cochin-China, Kappadam etc are the other tall cultivars under cultivation.

The major insect pests of the coconut palm are the rhinoceros beetle, the red palm weevil, the black headed caterpillar, the cockchafer beetle and the coreid bug.

Some of the culinary uses of coconut are the white, fleshy part of the seed is edible and used fresh or dried in cooking. The cavity is filled with “coconut water” containing sugar, fibre, proteins, anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals which provide excellent isotonic electrolyte balance. Coconut water is sterile until the coconut is opened.

Some of the non-culinary uses of coconut are coconut water can be used as an intravenous fluid. The husk and shells can be used for fuel and are a good source of charcoal. Dried coconut leaves when burned into ash contains amounts of lime. The leaves can be woven to create effective roofing materials.

The Advantages of coconut are Coconut is rich in dietary fiber, which is good for digestion. Coconut water is beneficial for people diagnosed with diabetes. Coconut milk works great for a sore throat, helps avoid kidney problems and make your skin glow.

Disadvantages of coconut are people who have cholesterol levels should not consume coconut oil and its milk, because the saturated fats in it can increase the cholesterol level. People with chronic kidney disease should not consume it. Its intake causes high potassium content.