In a significant step towards revitalizing the coconut sector, the International Coconut Community (ICC) recently hosted a webinar, "EstCrops_Corner #17," bringing together experts from Indonesia and India to discuss the industrialization potential of coconut genetic resources. The event, held on Monday, August 4, 2025, from 09:00 to 12:00 WIB, was moderated by ICC's Director General, Ir. Jelfina C. Alouw, M.Sc., Ph.D.. The event was a hybrid format held at the BNC 3 Meeting Room, KST Soekarno in Cibinong, Bogor Regency, and was also broadcast live on YouTube.
The webinar began with a welcome address by Puji Lestari, S.P., M.Si., Ph.D., Head of the Research Organization for Agriculture and Food, BRIN. This was followed by an introduction from Dr. Setiari Marwanto, Head of the Research Center for Estate Crops, BRIN. Both speakers expressed positive hopes for the future of the coconut sector in Indonesia. They highlighted Indonesia's vast genetic diversity of coconuts, including tall, dwarf, and kopyor varieties, as a valuable asset for agro-industrial development based on tropical biodiversity.
Indonesia's Replanting Program: A Call for High-Quality Seeds
Ir. Miftahorrachman the researcher from the Research Center for Estate Crops, BRIN, presented on the status of Indonesian exotic coconut genetic resources. Indonesia is one of the world's largest coconut-producing countries, with a vast area of land planted with coconut trees. The country has ambitious goals for its coconut industry, with a national plan to expand coconut areas by 500,000 hectares over five years, targeting 100,000 hectares annually. This initiative requires a staggering target, however, the current replanting capacity is limited to 15,000 hectares per year with an annual seed requirement of 2.25 million seeds.
The replanting program, which aims to replace old and unproductive crops, faces a significant seed deficit. While there are 400,000 hectares of old/unproductive coconut plantations, the annual replanting target is 80,000 hectares. The current seed demand far exceeds the available supply. Based on data from 2021-2024, Indonesia has a total of 2,451,740 seeds available, including 1,120,656 dwarf coconut seeds and 1,286,084 tall coconut seeds. This is insufficient to meet the national plan's annual requirement of 15 million seeds. The quality of these seeds is paramount, a point emphasized by Ir. Joko Widodo, the seventh president of Indonesia, during his opening speech at the 51st International Coconut Conference and Exhibition.
Lessons from India's ICAR-CPCRI
The webinar featured a presentation by Dr. M.K. Rajesh from the ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CPCRI) in India, who shared valuable insights into India's advancements in coconut research and development. The presentation, titled "Towards a Resilient Coconut Industry: Research Contributions from ICAR-CPCRI, India," highlighted several areas where Indonesia could learn from India's approach to creating a vibrant and profitable coconut economy.
A key area of research highlighted was the advancement in genomics and biotechnology. Dr. Rajesh's presentation noted the sequencing of the coconut genome in 2019 (v1.0) and the development of a chromosome-level assembly of the coconut genome (v2.0) and a coconut genome browser in 2024. This genomic research helps in probing coconut defense responses to diseases like root (wilt). In tissue culture, the presentation showcased the standardization of an embryo culture protocol in 1996 and the use of immature inflorescence culture to enable rapid, mass propagation of elite genotypes, ensuring genetic purity and disease-free planting material at an industry scale.
Another important area of innovation is the use of high-density multi-species cropping (HDMSC) in coconut gardens. This innovative approach, which involves intercropping coconut with other plants like pepper, banana, nutmeg, clove, and pineapple, can provide year-round income and higher returns per unit area. It also improves soil health and helps with weed suppression and moisture conservation.
The focus on pest management through biological control is also important. Dr. Rajesh's presentation showcased successful methods for controlling pests like the black-headed caterpillar and the eriophyid mite. The use of specific parasitoids for caterpillars resulted in a 95% reduction in damage and an 26% increase in nut yield. For eriophyid mites, a bi-rational management strategy using a neem oil-garlic-soap emulsion and the fungus
Hirsutella thompsonii led to a 72% reduction in damage and an 18% increase in nut yield. India has also successfully used the Nudivirus for controlling the rhinoceros beetle in island ecosystems.
Finally, the presentation also highlighted the use of smart machines and gadgets to revolutionize coconut value addition. Innovations like the tendernut trimming machine, coconut milk expeller, and a safety attachment for climbing devices could be adopted to increase efficiency and profitability in Indonesia's coconut industry.
By implementing these strategies, Indonesia can overcome its current challenges and achieve its replanting and production targets, positioning itself as a leader in the global coconut market.