The Basics of Starting a New Coconut Plantation

The Basics of Starting a New Coconut Plantation



I have been receiving quite a few requests of late regarding information in setting-up a coconut plantation. While I would love to write a comprehensive coverage of all aspects involved in establishing a coconut plantation, it will be an enormous undertaking, and something that cannot be covered simply in blog posts.

Instead, I will give some basics of starting a new coconut plantation, the key cost elements and man-power management requirements.


Alright then, let's get down to it.


There are a number of important stages when attempting to set up a successful coconut plantation. Now, a lot of people may think: “What’s so difficult? Just look for a germinated coconut, dig a hole, and plant it!”

Well, that method may work if all you want is a coconut tree, or if the coconuts are meant to be ornamental plants. But for a thriving, production coconut plantation, extra care and consideration will be needed.

A summary of these steps and stages are as follows:

Stage A: Preparing the coconut seedlings

As any serious agriculturist will tell you, getting the right planting materials is critical to the success or failure of crop production. This is even more important when it comes to perennial tree crops such as coconuts, since once the coconut palm is planted it becomes a 25 to 30 year-long commitment. Even if one is willing to correct the planting mistakes, it would have been 4-5 years along before any serious crop production issues are detected. And unlike many other tree crops where you can graft a superior variety onto the mediocre stock, and therefore change the variety of crop, this technique does not work with coconut palms. If a palm was to be replaced, it would have to be supplanted with another coconut seedling; and the waiting game starts over again.

So, I have to stress this point: get your coconut seedlings right. It will save you from a lot of headaches later on.



Step 1: Choosing the right variety

There are a great many varieties of coconuts available to growers in the tropics, but broadly speaking, they can be classified into three general group: Tall, hybrids, and Dwarf. Each group has its own merit, and each cultivar within the group has its own unique feature that adds to its economic value.

But for most smallholders, the real economic value in coconut is through the sale of tender drinking nuts, i.e. young coconuts with a high volume of sweet coconut water, and soft pulpy endosperm. As such, coconuts from the hybrid and Dwarf groups are of greater relevance to smallholder, given the shorter stature, ease of management and harvest, and quicker fruit bearing.

In Malaysia, the most popular hybrid variety is the MATAG hybrid coconut. The MATAG is a multipurpose coconut variety, being a good variety for producing tender drinking nuts, as well as mature coconuts for the production of coconut milk. The husk fibers are also dense, making it suitable for production of coir. Supply of seedlings can be obtained from the Department of Agriculture. However, I have been made to understand that the supply is limited, and usually fully booked by farmers’ cooperatives.

MATAG hybrid coconut

The other popular hybrid variety is the MAWA hybrid coconut. However, production of seedlings is limited, since the MATAG has pretty much replaced the MAWA as the premium variety of coconut. However, it is sometimes possible to get planting materials from DOA, if you are lucky. The MAWA does not produce very large coconuts or tender nuts with a very high volume of coconut water; however it does produce a high quality and quantity of coconut milk, which is also very fragrant and sweet.

MAWA hybrid coconut

But the premium coconut of choice for tender drinking nut production in Malaysia comes from a Dwarf variety: the Aromatic Green Dwarf, a.k.a. the Pandan coconut. As its names say, the sweet coconut water is highly aromatic, with a strong resemblance to the scent of lightly bruised pandanus leaves. The medium-sized nuts good volume of coconut water, ranging around 600ml per nut, and the soft endosperm has a nice jelly-like consistency. This premium variety fetches a very high ex-farm price, ranging around RM2.50 for a good sized nut. Retail prices often reach RM6.00 per nut, even at roadside stalls and eateries. Probably due to its popularity, it is hard to find seedlings in large quantities from a single source; the best sources are from Bukit Kayu Hitam (Kedah), Kajang (Selangor), and MARDI research stations (the best is Teluk Intan, Perak).

Young Pandan coconut palms

More common, and in fact often frowned upon, are the Malayan Dwarf varieties. There are two important varieties: the Malayan Red Dwarf (MRD), and the Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD). Both look quite similar, except that the MRD produces fronds with reddish/orange rachis and red-orange nuts, while the MYD produces yellow-green rachis and bright yellow nuts. Both varieties are very common place in Malaysia, especially the MYD. They produce medium sized nuts that are either bright yellow or red-orange, and the coconut water of both are sweetish-sour tasting, and carries a faint buttery coconut aroma. The endosperm is often firmer, as the coconuts from these varieties are often harvested at an older age. Since these varieties are so commonplace in Malaysia, not many vendors actually sell fresh tender whole nuts; it is usually sold in the form of cups or jugs, with added sugar to increase the sweetness of the drink. You will usually find them being sold in the pasar malam and roadside stalls.

Young MRD coconut palms

There are a few more aspects to consider when choosing the right coconut variety, but I shall not touch on those areas, since doing so will amount to me writing a book. What should be kept in mind is that while coconuts are often synonymous with the seaside, they actually do far better on inland and coastal alluvial soils, not sand. If you only have coastal (sandy) soils to plant, then go with only hybrids or Tall varieties; growth and yield of Dwarfs are negatively affected by the porous soil and saline water.


Step 2: Setting up a coconut seedling nursery

This is an aspect in coconut planting that seems to be often neglected. After all, coconuts seem to grow so commonly and with ease in this country.

However, as with all crops of economic value, starting the crop on the right foot is the most important step towards a successful farming enterprise. If one is unable or not willing to make the effort to do so, then they should not venture into agriculture in the first place.

It would impractical for most coconut planters to germinate their own coconut seedlings, since doing this would require a lot of time, effort, space and technical expertise. Thus, it would be best for the coconut farmer to source his/her coconut "seednuts" from a certified seed producer. I have already mentioned few previously.

Usually, seednuts are sold as emergents, which can be seen in the picture as follows:




These would have a growing point of about 30cm height (up to emergent leaf), and very few emerging roots at the base. With certified seed producers, culling and selection of salable seednuts would have already been conducted, so the farmer may buy such materials with confidence. Seednuts will be sold as bareroots, and the farmer will need to purchase and prepare his/her coconut seedlings at least 1 year prior to field planting.

Seednuts that are purchased must first be transplanted into polybags and allowed to grow to the ideal field planting sizes. The following series of transplanting steps show how this should be done:

 Step 1: Place seednut into polybag half-filled with soil


Step 2: Top up with more soil

Step 3: Firm down the soil, leaving a little bit of husk exposed 

Polybag sizes should be 45cm x 45cm (lay flat), and need to be 500-gauge black with perforations. Do note that for optimized transplanting of seednuts, the polybags should be half-filled 3 days in advance and watered daily, to allow settling of the soil. Once seednuts have been transplanted, make sure to water the seedling adequately. Each seedling will require 2,500ml of water per day in the absence of rain, which can be achieved by water for 30 minutes twice a day (morning & evening) using a sprinkler system. Otherwise, hand-watering using a measured water can is advised. Spacing in the nursery should be 1m x 1m equilateral triangle, amounting to 4,000 plams per acre. But since you will only need less than 100 palms for each acre (71 seedlings if planting hybrid + 10% for supply planting; 88 seedlings if planting Dwarf + 10% for supply planting), you should adjust this figure accordingly. Seedlings are maintained in the nursery up to 1 year before field planting.



 Temporary coconut seedling nursery, 6-months old from sowing

Yes, I know that a lot of farmers don't bother with these steps; but there are many good reasons for keeping this practice. Not only will the older and more mature seedlings be quicker to establish, they are also less susceptible to stunting and transplanting shock in the field compared to seednuts that are planted directly into the ground. In particular, the root system of a 1-year old seedling is better developed and robust, compared to a 6-month old seednut.

Direct planting of seednuts into the field. 
As can be seen from old palm behind, no uniform growth

You have to bear in mind that every palm you plant is a 25-30 year investment, so make sure the first steps are the right ones, or you will be stuck with a 25-year long mistake.



Stage B: Field planting

Once the seedlings have attained the suitable planting age, the next stage involves preparing the field. This process is quite straight forward, the only few crucial things being the planting system used, and preparation of the seedlings prior to field planting operation.

Step 3: Preparation of seedlings for field planting

12-month to 15-month old coconut seedlings designated for field planting must be prepared at least 2-3 weeks beforehand. This reason for this step is to minimize transplanting shock experienced by seedling once transferred into the field. Ideally, seedlings should be of a similar height; any that are obviously under-sized should be set aside in favor of more robust siblings.

To prepare the seedlings for field planting, pruning of the basal fronds must be carried out, followed by root-pruning of half the basal area (a semi circle, taking care not to cut the polybag) at least 2-3 weeks before field planting. Watering must be intensified on the day when root pruning is carried out.

Two or three days prior to field planting, seedling fronds are trimmed in diamond shape, and tied. The balance of 50% roots are pruned one day before dispatching the seedling into the field for planting, and must be watered thoroughly.

When moving the seedlings, it is important to ensure that they are handled with care to prevent damaging the nursery bags. The correct way is to hold the seedlings whilst supporting the base of the bag. Thus, there must be sufficient labor for the operation of moving seedlings from the nursery to the field.


Step 4: Land preparation and spacing

With coconuts, timing when to plant your palms is important. Normal planting months are in April to May, or September to December. These are the typical monsoon seasons in Malaysia, where there will be adequate rainfall during field planting, thus ensuring that your palms do not suffer from transpiration stress. Do note that for areas typically hit hard by the monsoon rains (eg. East Coast states), it would best to plant during the less severe monsoon months, typically during April to May.

Cleared and prepared field, reading for planting coconut seedlings

Same field two months later, after coconut seedlings had been planted



Field clearing should commence 2 months ahead of the target planting date. Brush and unwanted vegetation should be felled, cleared and burned. Two type of row plantings are normally found in coconut plantation, but the most efficient method in Malaysia is known as the "double-hedged row". This planting system facilitates in-field mechanization, allowing efficient grass mowing, fertilizer spreading, and also evacuation of harvest coconuts. The following dimensions are used in a double-hedged row system:







Talls and hybrid coconuts cultivars:

Distance (row-to-row): Cambered area
  8.5m
Distance (row-to-row): Field drain
  6.5m
Distance (in a row): Palm to Palm
  7.5m

Dwarf and Pandan coconut cultivars:

Distance (row-to-row): Cambered area
  7.25m
Distance (row-to-row): Field drain
  6.25m
Distance (in a row): Palm to Palm
  5.93m


Field drains of dimension 4'x3'x2' alternate with scupper drain of dimension 3'x2'x1'. Two rows of coconut are planted per drain block.

This results in coconut palms that are planted at a density of 178 palms/ha under the double-hedged planting system for tall and hybrid coconut palms, and 220 palms/ha for dwarf and Pandan coconut palms. 

Cover crops, such as mucuna, are often planted to protect the bare soil of newly planted fields. This helps retain soil moisture content, and when the cover crop dies back, adds back organic matters and soil nutrients locked deep underground to the top soil. It would be a good practice to plant cover crops, but maintaining this will add additional costs to the grower, as the cover crop has to be pruned and cut back each month in order to prevent it from choking the young palms. Once the palms have reached 5-6 years of age, the cover crop can be killed off, either through the use of weedicides, or by natural shading.
 Immature coconut field with mucuna cover crop


Immature coconut field with no cover crop



Stage C: Upkeep and management of coconut plantation

The initial years of establishment would see you weeding back the cover crop (if you've planted them), mowing down the grasses, and applying fertilizer for your young palms. After 3-4 years, your young palms will comes into first bearing, and this is when you will first begin to harvest the fruits of your labor. 

Step 5: General maintenance of coconut plantation

Coconut plantations are fairly bare of grasses and weeds during the high productivity years (years 8-18). However, during the immature and late years, when sunlight penetration is high, weeds will be more abundant. Nonetheless, it is a good practice not to kill off all the weeds and grass, but instead to manage and crop them down. This helps to hold the soil and retain moisture, house beneficial insects, and keep the palm in a good, healthy state. Thus, mowing down the grass and leafy weeds is the suggested option; for broadleaf shrubs, contact weedicides could be used.

Note the mowed grass in this MRD coconut field

Chemical fertilizer should be applied to supplement inherent soil nutrients to provide a steady supply of balanced nutrient range required for the healthy growth of palms. The quantity and quality of the fertilizer applied, and their timing and placement, are important aspects to be considered to ensure proper realization of this input.

The manuring regimes are as follows:

(i)                 2kg Urea
(ii)               2kg Muriate of potash (MOP)
(iii)             1kg Rock phosphate (RP)

Do note that the rates above are for each palm, per year. You will need to split the amount according to how many round of fertilizer application is carried out in a year. It is recommended that at least 4 rounds be carried out, i.e. 500g urea + 500g MOP + 250g RP per application; but preferably, 8 rounds is ideal , i.e. 250g urea + 250g MOP + 125g RP per application.

When manuring, avoid spreading the fertilizer to broadly. It is important that the fertilizers are applied within the root zone area. One trick that many growers do is to spread some of the fertilizer over the frond heap stacked at the inter-palm area. As the frond heap traps a lot of moisture and organic nutrients, coconut roots tend to congregate beneath the heap. Thus, applying some fertilizer onto the heap would target the coconut roots there, thereby feeding the palms more efficiently.

Note the spread-out frond heap between each palm.
The center is a scupper (shallow) drain

Another important note is that the fertilizer rates above is not fixed, and will vary according to soil type, productivity, foliar nutrient status, age, and yield targets. But of course, not all growers will have access to the necessary analytical equipment, so engage a government agriculture extension officer for further advice when necessary.

Coconuts are normally self-pruning, meaning that dead fronds and bunch stalks will dry and fall on their accord. However, it is still a good practice to remove them off the palm where they don’t fall naturally, and stack them neatly on the inter-palm heap. There is great value in keeping this practice; as the dead fronds and bunch stalks break down, they actually release micronutrients back into the soil. This helps increase the soil nutrient content and biomass over time, which will further improve your coconut palm’s health. In addition, such frond heaps act as moisture traps, and help provide an alternate source of moisture to palm roots. As mentioned earlier, fertilizers may also be applied to this zone, as the coconut root mass tends to congregate here, thereby ensuring that your fertilizer is targeted to the roots of the palms.



Step 6: Harvesting of coconuts

(a)   Harvesting of tender nuts

Tender nuts are harvested when the nuts are about 7 months old. Harvesting intervals are 17-21 days per round, depending on the preferences of the buyers and the consumers. This is usually pertaining to the thickness and harness of the soft coconut flesh; at 17 days, the flesh are very jelly-like, whereas at 21 days, there is some firmness to the flesh.

During harvesting, the harvester must remove all dried fronds and place them along the field drain edges, or cut them into smaller section and place them in the inter-palm spaces

Harvesting operation is a two-man job. One person climbs up the palms using a sturdy ladder, and attaches a harvesting harness (hook and rope) onto the bunch of coconut. The person below pulls the harness tout, to give some tension onto the bunch, and the stalk of the bunch is then cut and freed from the palm by the person on top. The person below will then carefully lower the bunch of coconut onto the ground.

 Harvesting tender nuts from a tall coconut palm.
Note the rope being guided by the harvester, and the hooked bunch being lowered on the right

This method of harvesting ensures that the tender young coconuts are not bruised or damaged, since this will not only affect the appearance of the nuts, but any internal damages will cause the nuts to spoil fast. Bunches harvested this way will have a shelf life of 4-5 days if kept in chilled room.

The harvested bunch being safely landed onto the ground.
Notice the hook attached to the rope.

(b)   Harvesting of mature nuts

For mature nuts, coconuts are plucked when their exocarp (skin) turns fully brown. For hybrids and Dwarfs, harvesting is done every 36 days (10 rounds per year); whereas for MAWA, which are late germinators, harvesting intervals are 45 days per cycle (8 rounds per year).

The harvesting operation consists of plucking the ripe nuts from the palms, or shaking them loose from the bunch using a long pole.

Harvesting mature brown coconuts using a long pole

Care must be given! Since there have been cases when loose mature coconuts have fallen on people’s heads, leading to serious head injuries and death. It is suggested that safety helmets be provided when dealing with especially tall palms.



General costings of setting up a coconut plantation

The cost to set-up a coconut plantation will obviously vary according to location. The key variables are usually tied to the land (eg. terrain and contour, soil type), and also farm input costs (eg. labor costs, fertilizer prices, planting material costs). Thus, the following costings should be taken only as an approximation to the costs of starting a coconut plantation:


Seedling Cost:

Bare-root seednut from seed garden
RM 2,500 (RM10 x 250 pc)
Soil, polybag, fertilizer, pest & disease etc.
RM 1,500 (for 250 pc) 
Cost of planting size
RM 4,000

Coconut Planting Costs to Maturity:

Year 1: Land preparation, planting
RM 8,000/ha
Year 2: General upkeep of immature palms
RM 2,200/ha
Year 3: General upkeep of immature palms
RM 2,500/ha
Year 4: General upkeep of immature palms
RM 2,500/ha
Cost to maturity
RM 15,200/ha

Mature Coconut Annual Costings:
  
Activity
Cost/ha
Weeding
RM 200.00
Manuring / fertilizer application
RM 1,400.00
Pest & disease management
RM 31.00
Pruning / sanitation
RM 15.00
Upkeep of roads, paths & bridges
RM 90.00
Upkeep of drains
RM 35.00
Sundries & Misc.
RM 65.00
Harvesting & collection
RM 100,00
Annual costs after maturity
RM 1,936.00 

Do note however that the ideal size for a profitable coconut plantation is at least 4 hectares (10acres), and that the breakdown above has been pared down to fit 1 hectare. Also, costs may vary by location, local labor and equipment costs, etc. Thus, the figures above serve merely as a guide.


Typical yields of a mature coconut plantation are 23,000 nuts/ha/year; but for your first 4 years of crop production (after the 3-year immature stage), yields would range around 10,000 nuts/ha/year only. Thus, the average cost factor for the first 4 years of crop production will be about RM0.68 per nut; thereafter, the cost of production will fall sharply to around RM0.08 per nut. Therefore, assuming no additional costs are incurred, a minimum sales price of RM1.00-RM1.50 is needed to break even within the first 10 years.


Hopefully, this post will now give everyone some idea about what is involved with starting up a coconut plantation!


Comments

  1. Hi Michael... firstly thanks for such a detailed right up.. was just wondering the figures given of about 15k plus for first 4 yrs till the is some income.. is this figures achiveable in this current times or are this figures of many years back?... is the 8k for land preparation and planting per hectare include the seedlings? Thanks again for the write up and hope to get some feedback soon...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good day. To answer your question:

      1. Yes, these figures are a few years outdated, and costs would be a little different now. However, as I've noted, the cost will vary according to local situation, eg. the labor cost in the East Coast states of Malaysia is much lower compared to the West Coast, fertilizer cost in the West Coast is cheaper than the East Coast, etc. Hence, the figure I've posted here should be viewed as a ballpark figure only.

      2. The land preparation and planting cost does not include the cost of seedlings. Thank you for asking the question, I think it would be beneficial for me to add in a costing aspect for the seedlings.

      Depending on which option you choose (whether to raise your own seedlings, or direct purchase of field planting size), the cost will range between RM2,500 - RM5,000 for 250 Pandan coconut seedlings, assuming seedling cost range between RM10 to RM20 each.

      Delete
  2. Sorry detailed write up a great job

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for the quick reply... so basically add 5k to the first 4 yrs for seedling that brings cost to about 20k to 21k per hactare for first 4 years before maturity...is this a safe figure and would not defer much? What would be a max cost for first 4yrs just to be safe that we can be assured we wont run out of budget...

    Is there a price for matag seedling that you know off?

    After maturity the cost is about 2k per hactare... can i put that as a safe cost also that would include all possible expenditure... to be safe what is max yearly cost per hactare for after 4th year once matured?

    Thanks for ur help i just want to know at maximum cost possible is the coconut plantation still viable...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good day.

      The price for MATAG seedlings, if you purchase under JPPK farming scheme is about RM18 per seednut. Do not buy from outside sellers, which are not certified seed producers, even if their prices are cheap. Do take note that MATAG is a hybrid coconut variety, so if you take F2, F3, F4 etc. as how they are often marketed by these outside sellers, it will not be true to type. As far as I am aware, there are only 2 certified seed producers of MATAG, which is DOA/MARDI (in collaboration), and United Plantations Bhd.

      Friend... there is no “safe” figure. There are a lot of risks in agriculture, such as continuous bad weather, sudden surge in pests/diseases, natural disasters etc., and any of these will inflate your costs. But, assuming that all variables are at normal levels, the land quality is good, the pest and disease pressure is acceptable, and manpower adequate etc., then the costs figure would be within range, with about 10% variance for unbudgeted direct costs (eg. need to hire extra workers due to higher than normal crop).

      But to really answer your question, if you want to be safe, then have at least 2x the budget. If you think that is a lot: yes, it is. That is why there are more people doing other businesses, than going into smallholder farming. With most other businesses, you are playing dice with customers and clients, essentially human being with more predictable patterns. Your will power and determination to succeed only has to surpass the average person. In smallholder agriculture, especially one that is dependent on the land, you are playing dice with God on a daily basis. Your willpower and determination therefore has to at a God-like level.

      Not to discourage you, but only to make you aware. If you go into smallholder agriculture, it must not be driven by interest; passion has to be the key driver. Interest will only keep you going as long as it is interesting to you; but passion will ensure you stay put through the blood, sweat, and tears. Literally speaking.

      Delete
  4. Good day, I am Eric from Sarawak. Thank you for the Info, very very useful, I have a 3 acres land, which take 30 minutes drive from my home. I am thinking to utilize it, and it already have road access to it. All i need is just to clear the land, drainage system, and construction cost then ready to go. However, the land size is just about 3 acres, do you recommend for coconut farming? will it be too small? Thank you again for so much infor. Appreciated it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Good day Knightliness.

    Honestly speaking, plantations are only truly profitable with a minimum of 10 hectares. Anything smaller than that, and the venture is not really worth the effort.

    For eg., 1 hectare of coconuts produces around 22,000 nuts a year, which wholesales at RM0.60 per tender nut (for MATAG and tall-related varieties); that is equal to RM13,200 a year in gross revenue. I think it is possible to earn more working for someone else instead. But for 10 hectare, then you are talking about good money, since your gross revenue is around RM132,000 and even after deducting costs, you are looking at nett returns in the vicinity of RM100,000 a year (or about RM8,300 a month).

    And the above has not factored in doing your own processing, eg. dehusking and packaging, which hikes up your coconut prices to around RM2.00+/- per nut wholesale.

    So bottomline is, I would think that you should focus on some other crop if you have less than 10 hectares of land. Maybe short cycle crops like chili (1kg wholesale around RM5, 1 hectare produces about 6000kg every 5-6 month cycle).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Michael, thank for your information . If you had realised, that price of one raw coconut can be sold 5rm to 7 rm or even 7.90 in some shopping outlet. I believed that coconut now is currently highly demanded in the market. More products such jelly coconut, branding coconut(http://www.hamona.com/hamona-the-premium-coconut) can make it to the market and now coco drink is also out in the market as new technology improve, that why people are very interested in coco nut now days. For hamona has received a substantial amount of funding from kickstarter. I think now day farming should not nice focus on quantity but also the quality. Rich people are willing to pay for higher price for fruit, as we see the cases in the japan fruit market. However, saying is always easier doing is always harder.In order to achieve such result, require preseverance, innovotion and different farming techiques. Sorry if I were sound abit challenging as I understand you are expert in coco nut industry.
      My view is small coconut plantation required survive required different technique/seeding to product better coconut plantation, in order to stay profitable.
      Thank you!

      Delete
    2. Hello Michael,

      I am Abdulai and I am living is West Africa in Sierra Leone. I have 452.5 hectares of land that I have started mixed tree cropping in. Reading your advices, have motivated me to do cocoanut farming in 400hectares.

      Can you find me an investor that can come and join me in developing it?

      I will be grateful.

      This is my Email: bbbangura.abb@gmail.com
      WhatsApp: +23276 334933

      Delete
  6. Good day, mike!! thanks for all the info and finally can see some 1 writes about coconut planting other than oil palm / durian :D..

    if i were to lease some 5 hectares for coconut planting would it be still profitable and any idea what could be the land lease price? is there anything like a market value for such kind of crop usage land lease??

    ReplyDelete
  7. Good day KS Tan,

    There is no straight-forward answer for your question, as highlighted in my previous comments.

    IF, the coconut farm is managed well, the market for tender nuts are secured with a good price structure (whether wholesale unprocessed or semi-processed), the yield performance is stable, and your overheads a managed properly, then yes, it is very possible for a 5 hectare coconut plantation to be profitable. Of course, what constitutes as "profitable" is also subjective, as the amount of work needed to earn that "profit" must commensurate with expectations, i.e. RM3,500 monthly nett returns does not seem as "profitable" for some if it involves laboring 6-7 hours a day under the hot and humid conditions of a plantation.

    Private land lease prices will vary according to location and condition of the land. In some kampung areas of Terengganu for instance, you can get monthly lease rates of a few hundred ringgit a month per acre; in Selangor, the rates are often ranging around a few thousand ringgit per month. And no, the land lease does not depend on what kind of crop you will be cultivating. Landlords typically lease out the land on a "as is" basis, and may stipulate that no permanent structures can be built on said land.

    If you are adamant to lease land for coconut cultivation, I would suggest that you deal directly with the state government / DOA / Jabatan Tanah & Galian / exco etc. instead. If you go that route, the land lease is typically very very cheap, but the land leased to you will be quite sizeable. There is often a clause in the land lease agreement where the investor (a.k.a. you) has to carry out some level of development in order for the lease agreement to be maintained. As I understand it, there are typically two types of agreement, one which is on a three-year fixed term contract (but usually only applicable to land where the government has already carried out some development, eg. access road, lighting etc.), and long-lease contracts typically up to 20 years period. If you could get ahold of the latter, then your coconut plantation venture will be secured.

    Warm regards,
    Michael J.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi - Can you talk about the pest problems - nematodes in the ground, fungus/bacteria on the trunks/leaves/nuts and insects - weevil/mites. I provide bio-pesticides (won an award 2016 in Germany for application of bio-pesticides in padi yield). I have been asked to propose solutions against the above and do not know that much about coconut. Padi I have some knowledge.

      And thank you so much - knowledge shared is knowledge doubled. And I'm only too happy to share my 80 page padi research report that increase yield from 3 tons/ha to 11 tons/ha.

      Cheers

      Delete
  8. where can i purchase the matag seedlings?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Michael & fellow readers,
    Gerard here. I would like to know if saline sandy soil suitable for productive Pandan coconut plantation? And also if irrigation and watering of seawater viable option for productive coconut plantation in the sense of nutrient speaking? If yes, any recommended sequence for seawater watering?

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Michael,
    Thank you for the detailed writeup, very informative. Do you provide consultation service for coconut plantation? if yes, pls send reply to shiawyee.ng@gmail.com
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Michael, can you contact me at kelsensawh@gmail.com.

    Thankyou

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Michael, can you contact me at gary383@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Dear Mr Michael,

    My company is keen to venture into coconut planting. Can you contact me at email: ocsebay1@yahoo.com ?

    Thank you,

    Ong Chin Seng

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi Michael,

    I did some research on Matag seedlings from internet, there are F1 and F2. I want to buy but i don't know how to identify which is matag F1, which is mawa or pandan, could you help me? I heard there were farmers got cheated.

    And, do you know where can we attend for the matag coconut planting course?

    Thank you in advance.

    Billy Koh

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Michael,
    A very informative write up for beginner, kindly email to sichong@email. com
    We need to discuss further.
    Rgds,
    Ian Chong

    ReplyDelete
  16. Please contact me Mr.Micheal J.
    Im planning to start a new coconut farm ,i need your help for the selection of the type of plant.
    Please email me rlukshikan@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. hi Micheal,
    My company is planning to venture into coconut plantation business for a parcel of 300 acres land, do you provide consultant service? If yes, please contact me at leeveejean@gmail.com thanks

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Micheal J,

    I am a Civil Eng. PE and want to get into farming - its retirement time. BUT I know nothing of farming and want to go all organic and clean......how to do it? You can email me too.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Nice for your write-up I am working professional from india in singapore, and looking to set-up coconut plantation in my hometown, you article is to the point.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi Michael, can you contact me at tzetien84@gmail.com.

    Thankyou

    ReplyDelete
  21. Can u pls email me cool89231@gmail.com.i nid your help if u domt mind sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi, Michael I would like to ask more info related with agriculture in Malaysia. Could you drop me an email envinetsolutions@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi Michael,
    Great post. Thank you. I'm a city dweller with no agricultural know-how or aspirations. Your post helped me appreciate coconuts and the risks farmers have to take so that I can enjoy them. I wonder if you could help me understand why some of the old, tall coconut palms are tilted (i.e. not vertical. Is it due to soil erosion? Disease? Wind?

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi Micheal,
    Is there any company selling Tacunan dwarft seeds in Malaysia?..or how do we import it from the philippines? is there any company/farm in Philippines that you would recommend if we want to visit the farm

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hi Micheal,

    Thanks for sharing the post. My friend and I planning to start a new coconut farm. Could you drop me an email ttneoh123@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi Micheal,
    Thank you very much for the detailed info you have provided. We have a small area of land planted with Oil Palm (30 acres). Our major issue is Ganoderma (Basal Stem Rot) disease which affects nearly 60% of our Oil Palm. I was told that BSR disease would not affect Coconut trees.
    Q1. How true is it?
    Another major problem is monkeys (macaques) at our land.
    Q2. Will it damage the coconuts?
    Q3. If so, what is the best option to prevent this?

    Thank you in advance for your kind assistance.
    Jai.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Dear Micheal,

    I am planning to establish a large scale coconut plantation. I would like to get in touch you and my email address is cheeoswald@gmail.com

    Thank you.

    Chee

    ReplyDelete
  28. Nice blog..! I really loved reading through this article. Thanks for sharing such a amazing post with us and keep blogging...
    hectare value management systems

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hai, Thanks for the lot of Information, I am from india, Karnataka State, i want to know Dwarf variety is it suitable for the south indian climate with the Bore Well water. If so, what will the cost will incured to reach Bangalore. Pl. reply to email id is jayakumar1292@rediffmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. Dear Micheal,

    We are planning to establish a 40 Ha pandan coconut plantation in Telaga Air, Kuching. DOA has done soil investigation and I would like to get in touch you for consultancy and my email address is scsmoon@yahoo.com

    Thank you.

    Regards
    Simon

    ReplyDelete
  31. hi I was wondering where to purchase coconut seeds meant for plantation in Malaysia.

    0178571893 - Roy

    ReplyDelete
  32. Useful Information, your blog is sharing unique information....
    Thanks for sharing!!!
    How Exchange Rates Affect Agricultural Markets
    food safety management system

    ReplyDelete
  33. What do you think about pentagon planting of 5 palms together for higher yield and density, as described here: http://www.agricultureinformation.com/mr-m-k-renukarya-new-planting-method-improve-coconut-yield/

    ReplyDelete
  34. hi I'm from maldives can these methods applicable for Maldives environment.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi Micheal, i just send an email to you, if will be good if you can spend 5 min to read it. Looking forward to hear from you soon.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hey I’m Martin Reed,if you are ready to get a loan contact.Mr Benjamin via email: lfdsloans@lemeridianfds.com,WhatsApp:+1 989-394-3740 I’m giving credit to Le_Meridian Funding Service .They grant me the sum 2,000,000.00 Euro. within 5 working days. Le_Meridian Funding Service  is a  group investors into pure loan and debt financing at the  returns of 1.9% to pay off your bills or buy a home Or Increase your Business. please I advise everyone out there who are in need of loan and can be reliable, trusted and capable of repaying back at the due time of funds.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hi Micheal
    My company is planning to start 1000hect coconut plantation in Kalimantan Indonesia for virgin coconut oil.
    I am currently working out the budget.
    Can you recommend me with the best planning material and cost per nut including delivery cost.
    Thank you so much
    Best Regards
    Sethu
    We will raise our own nursery.


    ReplyDelete
  38. Hi Mr Micheal
    Thanks for such details right up .it is useful guideline for beginner to start coconut plantation. May l know what is the NPK requirement for immature (one year) palm ,if by leave analysis what is the ratio of NPK consider no nutrient deficiency. my email address teokl@kenso.com my

    ReplyDelete
  39. Dear all,

    This is Mohammed from Sultanate of Oman. I am intending to take part in one of the biggest palm plantation project in my country. I am looking for a technical partner who has massive experience in this field to provide expert engineers and required materials . Automatic irrigation system will be a part of this project.

    PlEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU KNOW ANY COMPANY CAN CONTROL THIS PART OF PRJECT.

    THANK YOU

    REGARDS
    MOHAMMED
    PH NO: +96896388891
    EMAIL: MOHAMMED@BATTYHAMOODGROUP.COM

    ReplyDelete
  40. I a farmer in Nigeria. Which Malaysian coconut variety is best for coconut oil production and how can I source it in Malaysia. Please send your response to davelong5000@yahoo.com also. Thanks for a good write up on coconut production.

    ReplyDelete
  41. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Anyone is still in contact with Michael of the Orient? hope he is okay...as he is not reply some of the questions for quite some time...

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hi can someone pm me some coconut harvester contact ? House got 2 trees to harvest . 0192769576 . Thank you :)

    ReplyDelete
  44. Plumbisimo is ranked amongst the most trusted gas fitting companies throughout Warrington. We have extensive experience in providing gas fitting services. We offer reliable gas fitting solutions that match all kinds of budgets, ensuring that projects, including big and small, get executed with perfection and precision. Our engineers are gas safe registered so you can be sure you are in the good hands.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular Posts