Thai expert sees Sarawak as ideal for aromatic coconut cultivation

Uggah (front row, second left) and the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) delegation sample aromatic coconut juice at the farm in Ratchaburi Province, Thailand. Also seen is Dherdkiattikum (front row, third right).

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 5: Regions along the equator, including Borneo and Sarawak, have been identified as prime locations for cultivating aromatic coconuts.

This statement was made by Nuanla-Or Dherdkiattikum, a Thai expert and farmer in the industry, according to a press release.

Dherdkiattikum shared her insights during a briefing for Sarawak Deputy Premier and Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) chairman, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, and the BDDA delegation, who are currently on a week-long benchmarking trip in Thailand.

She also highlighted that global warming has contributed to shifting ideal growing conditions for the Nam Hom species of aromatic coconut, considered the best variety, towards equatorial areas.

“And because we do not have enough land in Thailand for its cultivation, we are of course eyeing Sarawak as the most potential place,” she said.

Nuanla also predicted that global market demand for coconut water and its derivatives would increase in the coming years.

She added that last year, its market share reached USD3.82 billion.

“Coconut water has become a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers.

“The shift away from traditional sugary drinks and towards functional natural beverages has redefined the packaged coconut water industry.

“Coconut water is known for its electrolyte and hydrating properties,” she explained, adding that the increasing popularity and growing inclination towards plant-based and naturally sourced products is a huge boost for sustainable demand for coconut drinks.

In 2017, Dherdkiattikum and university professor Professor Tuanchai embarked on the cultivation of Nam Hom aromatic coconuts, as mentioned in the release.

The multi-award-winning farmer has a 1.6-hectare farm in Ratchaburi Province with approximately 400 trees.

She is also converting farm waste into biochar and porous geopolymer bricks.

Dherdkiattikum has further established an academy for training, consultations, research, and development near her farm.

The BDDA delegation, led by Uggah, includes assemblymen Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu (Layar), Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam (Saribas), Razailli Gapor (Beting Maro), Mohd Chee Kadir (Kabong), Mohamad Duri (Kalaka), Friday Belik (Krian), and assemblywoman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor (Lingga).

Parliamentarians Dr Richard Rapu (Betong) and Mohamad Shafizan Kepli (Batang Lupar) are also part of the delegation. — DayakDaily