Coconut farmers in Pangasinan are ready to utilize by-products of their crop into souvenirs, crafts, organic fertilizer, and others for additional income, an official said Friday.
In an interview, Gerald Suriaga, administrative head of the Quinit School of Science, Agriculture, Trade and Arts Inc., said they were earlier tapped by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Ilocos Region and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to train registered coconut farmers from four farmers’ groups on the initiative.
The farmer’s groups included the Dacap Sur Coconut Farmer Association in Bani; the Ilog Malino Farmer Association in Bolinao; and the Aliguas Calasiao Farmer Cooperative, and Pinablin 4-H Calasiao Inc., both in Calasiao.
“There is a lot of coconut shell waste in coconut farming, which causes environmental problems like pollution and wasted biomass resources,” he said.
He noted that the trained farmers are now ready to sell eco-friendly crafts and souvenirs, as well as Mokusako (wood vinegar), which can serve as an organic fertilizer or natural medicine, priced at PHP100 to PHP200 per bottle.
The products will be launched at trade fairs and exhibits.
Suriaga said they also plan to sell in Pasalubong (homecoming gifts) Centers in their respective towns, as well as in souvenir shops and community outlets across Pangasinan.
The training for the first batch was held at Quinit Farm this week.
Omega Masaoy, a member of the Dacap Sur Coconut Farmer Association, said coconut by-products are typically used as briquette charcoal, among other uses.
“If the project were funded properly, it would bring ease and savings to the farmers. It is cheaper, with fewer expenses compared to synthetic agricultural practice, which would help the environment, farmers, and the community,” she said in Filipino.
Masaoy said the members of their association plan to make crafts such as bracelets and necklaces, which they will sell in schools and offices and even supply boutique accessories to resorts in their area. (PNA)