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CDB to put palms to better use

Kochi: The Kochi-based Coconut Development Board (CDB) is working with Forest Industries (Travancore) Ltd. to develop joineries out of treated coconut wood, Minnie Mathew, chairperson of the board, has said.

She said the CDB was awaiting the success of this experimental project as it would help popularise the use of coconut wood in mass housing programmes.

The board had also sponsored a project for making particle boards out of coconut wood, which was also likely to open up a new window for the use of the material.

The use of the entire biomass of the palm for production of green (non-conventional) energy was another possibility being explored by the board. A demonstration centre for processing of coconut wood was under the consideration of the board, she said.

It was noted that traditionally coconut wood was used extensively in building construction. However, with the advancement of building technology and the availability of more attractive building materials, the traditional uses began to recede so much that it was mainly used in brick kilns.

“The structural composition of coconut wood is such that it has exquisite beauty and strength and can be effectively used in interiors as well as exteriors, Ms. Mathew said, adding that the fine grains and the natural beauty of coconut wood made it highly suitable for wall panelling, floor tiles, furniture and curios. With the short supply of hardwood and the need to conserve scarce forest resources, the time was opportune for a rediscovery of the advantages of the use of coconut wood. This had coincided with the recently launched replanting and rejuvenation scheme which was under implementation in Kerala and in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

In the next three years, several lakh palms would be cut from the project areas of Thrissur, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts. Depending on the success of the pilot project, the scheme would be extended to other States. “Thus a steady supply of raw material for processing can be ensured,” the chairperson said.

“It is imperative that the huge quantity of wood generated under this programme is put to effective use for high-end products which will generate additional income for the farmer and also minimise the threat to the environment by indiscriminate felling of valuable forest reserves,” Ms. Mathew said.

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