EVALUATION OF COCONUT PRODUCTION IN GLAN, SARANGANI PROVINCE

The study was conducted in Glan, Sarangani Province from November to December 2021 to evaluate the current situation of coconut production. Specifically, the study aimed to determine the socio-demographic profile, farm management practices, marketing practices and profitability, credit accessibility, problems encountered, and government support and programs for the coconut farmers. The data gathered were analyzed through descriptive analysis.

Results revealed that majority of the farmers were male and already married. It showed that they had been engaged in coconut production for 10 years and below. Most of them practiced replanting to replace the old and infected by pests and diseases. Intercropping of other crops were practiced by most of the farmers which gives them additional source of income. Majority of the farmers neglected to control the occurrence of pests. Centennial variety of coconut was preferred by the farmers because of its longer life span and productivity. Farmers preferred to sell copra and traders were the common buyer of their products. In terms of profitability, it was observed that selling whole nut was more profitable compared to sell copra. On the other hand, weather conditions, pests and diseases, and price changes were the most common problems. It was recommended that government has to provide other marketing linkages other than traders, encourage them to participate in any programs and farm improvement as well as boost their interest in coconut farming in order to increase the profitability.