Planting coconut trees correctly in rural areas can bring a good income. With good care and hard work, coconut trees alone can earn you a good living. So it is important to know what to keep in mind when planting them.
Choosing the site
Coconut trees grow well in warm, humid places. Sandy soil is best for them, where water drains away easily and the roots do not rot.
Choosing the plants
For good coconuts, choose healthy, sound plants. Take disease-free seedlings from a nursery. Test the seed nuts by putting them in water: good seed sinks, bad seed floats.
Keep your distance
Plant each tree 7.5 metres from the next so that it has enough room to grow. Planting in the rainy season is best, because the soil holds moisture at that time.
Irrigation and fertiliser
In summer it is important to water coconut trees from time to time. Use organic and other fertilisers for a good crop. Coconut trees need nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Use cow dung and compost as well.
Protecting the trees
Check the trees now and then for disease or pests. Coconut trees must be protected from root rot, leaf spot and bud rot. You can use biological and chemical measures against pests.
Harvesting
Look after the trees every day and clear weeds from time to time. Cut the nuts when they are ready to drink as green coconuts, or when the fruit is fully ripe. Coconuts usually ripen in 12 to 14 months.
Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.
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