A GRAND ‘Coconut Exposition’ is scheduled to be held from 9:00hrs to 16:00hrs today at the Guyana Shop, Robb and Alexander Streets,  Georgetown, as the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) comes out in full support for the development of coconut products in Guyana.

The objective of this activity is to create greater awareness and promote the market opportunities that exist for coconuts and coconut-based products, including the increased demand for coconut water and dried coconuts.
In Guyana, coconut is a very important crop in sustaining livelihoods in many communities and is once again re-gaining its importance in agricultural development in Guyana.
The coconut industry in Guyana has been identified as one of the sectors with a large potential for further development. Coconut already exists in Guyana as one of the key non-traditional crops and its production relies on Guyana’s comparative advantages in terms of land, water and labour.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture is currently focusing on a very aggressive agriculture diversification programme in which the coconut industry is an important component of this initiative.

THIRD LARGEST CROP
The Ministry of Agriculture recognises the fact that coconut is the third largest crop in Guyana, after rice and sugar, and has emphasised that building the coconut industry will require coordinated efforts from all stakeholders in this sector.
The Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) said it will continue to collaborate with the coconut stakeholders so as to better respond to market needs and the evolving nature of the industry.
The increasing importance of coconut was represented with the increased production from 10,725 metric tons  in 2011 to 17,104 metric tons in 2012.
Additionally, 2012 showed an increase in coconut exports, recording in excess of US$2.4 million in  coconuts and coconut products.
Some of the products that will be on display today  include extra virgin coconut oil, coconut water, canned coconut cream and milk, coconut craft, coconut wine, coconut dishes, etc.
There will also be displays on new and innovative technologies, proper post-harvest management, improved farming practices and export requirements, among other key matters.