NEWSFLASH

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COCONUT EXPORTS UP 68%

Manila, Nov. 30, 1997 - Coconut exports for the third quarter of 1997 reached 531,964 metric tons , an increase of 67.94% over figures for the same period last year. Total value for the 3rd quarter exports reached 4242.72 million.

Philippine Coconut Authority Administrator Virgilio David reported that the government's replanting program is being pursued relentlessly, to replace old, unproductive coconut trees with new, highly productive varieties.

So far, 333 new nurseries have been established, producing a total of 918,686 coconut seedlings. In addition, the original 87 coconut nurseries produced 531,353 seednuts for the year.

David noted that fertilization of fruit-bearing coconut trees has doubled copra yield per hectare.

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