Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 6.32. Inside young coconut being removed by scraper, made form the husk of the
coconut husk. Young coconut being eaten.
6.9.7 World Production
In terms of world production coconut is produced in far larger amounts than any other
food with nut in its name, including peanut, which is also not a nut (Section 6.10).
Indonesia and the Philippines are the world's largest producers of coconut, followed
by India, Brazil, and Sri Lanka. All other countries produce one tenth or less the
amounts produced by Indonesia and the Philippines.
6.10
OTHER USES OF FRUIT AND NUT TREES
Both fruit and nut trees have uses other than the production of fruit and nuts. In most
cases they also produce high-quality, high-value lumber. Thus, when they are at the end
of their productive lives, they can be harvested for lumber, providing the farmer with
additional income. Planted on a staggered or rotational schedule, some trees can be har-
vested for lumber every year and be replaced with young trees. With this type of plan a
fruit or nut orchard can be a continuing source of both produce and lumber.
In situations where there is a need to protect sloping or mountainous land, feed
people, and produce lumber for housing and other needs, both fruit and nut trees, includ-
ing coconut, can be the answer. Coconut is not a tree, but its long trunk is woodlike and is
commonly used as an inexpensive building material. In addition such plantations can act
as watersheds and thus provide a continuing source of water for the local population.
6.11
PEANUTS
6.11.1 Climatic Adaptation
Peanuts can be grown under any environmental conditions providing a growing
season long enough and warm enough to produce nuts. After planting, it takes 30 to
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