President of Indonesia Stresses Need for Improved Coconut Harvesting Methods

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: In a recent statement, the President of Indonesia highlighted the vast expanse of coconut plantations in the country and the challenges associated with harvesting coconuts from tall trees. With 3.8 million hectares of land dedicated to coconut cultivation and an annual production reaching 2.8 million tons, the President emphasized the necessity for appropriate harvesting techniques and the estimation of human resources required for this task.

“If we have millions of coconut trees, we must prepare the people with the ability to pick the coconuts. If the coconut tree is 20 meters high with millions of coconut trees, then we must calculate the number of people to pick the coconuts,” he remarked.

The President urged for innovation in the coconut harvesting process, suggesting that technology could play a significant role in making the process more efficient and safer. He proposed the development of methods that would allow coconuts to be picked from the ground, thus eliminating the need for workers to climb tall trees.

“It would be better to use technology to pick the coconuts from a tree with a height of 20 to 30 meters. Do not only pick a few. The amount should be larger,” he stated.

Additionally, the President noted that Indonesia ranks second globally in terms of coconut production, with North Sulawesi and Riau provinces identified as the regions with the highest potential for coconut production. This recognition underscores the importance of enhancing harvesting methods to maintain and improve the country’s position in the global coconut market.

The President’s call for innovation and efficiency in coconut harvesting is expected to drive technological advancements and improve the livelihoods of those involved in the coconut industry in Indonesia.