KOCHI: Coconut has a high potential for entering into the natural and organic food segment, according to P. Rethinam, former Executive Director of Asian Pacific Coconut Community (APCC).

He was speaking on `Enhancing competitiveness of coconut sector' at the International Coconut Summit 2007 here on Tuesday.

He said the use of tender coconut water as an energy drink and health drink should be promoted. There was a need for focusing on value-added products like coconut milk and desiccated coconut as they could fetch better prices in the international market. But lack of technology and transfer of technology were impediments, he said. U. Pethiagoda, former Director of Coconut Research Institute, Sri Lanka, spoke on `Opportunities for a vibrant coconut-based economy in the producing countries.' He said there was a large unexploited market for coconut products such as toffees and sweets. He alleged that there was a `cholesterol conspiracy' that harmed the coconut sector. Coconut shell charcoal was a clean source of carbon, which was under-utilised, he said.

P.G. Punchihewa, former Executive Director of APCC, said desiccated coconut was not being marketed well. Market promotion needed to be taken up seriously, he said.

H.A.J. Gunathilake, Chairman, Coconut Cultivation Board, Sri Lanka, spoke on economic viability of coconut-based farming. He stressed the need for integrated farming. Pineapple, banana, tea and cashew could be cultivated as intercrops. Depreciation of the Sri Lankan currency had an adverse impact on exports, he said.

Romulo N. Aranco, Director of APCC, N.M. Nayar, former director of CPCRI, Magat Severino, a scientist of the Philippine Coconut Authority, and B. Mohan Kumar, Head of Department of Sericulture and Forestry, spoke. .

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