Coconut is known as “ The Tree of Life” due to its many utility and benefits. Billions of people, not only in tropical countries but also in temperate countries, have consumed and used many coconut products. The main factors in boost coconut product consumption include: health benenfits, eco-friendliness, public health consciousness is getting higher and higher.
Coconut water consumption increases more than 100% per year. Coconut water is known to be a hydrating liquid for the body and it also contains zeatin acid and shikimic acid. These are two acids that contain anti-aging and antioxidant properties. Antioxidants properties can prevent oxidative damage to the liver. During World War II, coconut water was used for Venoclysis in Southeast Asian countries. The coconut water consumption then gradually spread to the US market.
Another coconut product that became famous early 2000s and now which is known for potential benefit: preventing the infection of the COVID-19; is Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO). Virgin coconut oil is a product made from copra – dried coconut meat. Many clinical trials by scientists have been proved this potential benefit of virgin coconut oil and which is being tested at prestigious hospitals in the Philipines and Indonesia. In addition to its potential benefit against viruses, it has been reported that virgin coconut oil also contains the antibacterial properties of lauric acid. Lauric acid is a major fat found in coconut oil. In addition, The World Dental Association also endorses the use of coconut oil because it contains anti-inflammatory properties that prevent tooth decay. Anti-inflammatory is a special property of coconut oil when the number of bacteria resistant to antibiotics is increasing.
Many countries imposed Social distancing by closing schools, agencies, religious sites, shops, and limited modes of transportation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of the COVID-19 is different between countries or regions. Significant declines in economic activity have been reported in several countries around the world. The export volume of Philippine coconut products this year decreased when compared with the export volume of the previous year. Similarly, the export volume of coconut oil from India also fell sharply in May 2020.
Many countries imposed broad-based social exclusion by closing schools, agencies, religious sites, shops, and limited modes of transportation during the COVID-19 pandemic. . The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is completely different between countries or regions. Significant declines in economic activity have been reported in several countries around the world. The export volume of Philippine coconut products this year decreased when compared with the export volume of the previous year. Similarly, the export volume of coconut oil from India also fell sharply in May 2020. While many countries are facing many challenges and losses, we need to create spaces to improve productivity, learn new skills and creativity to overcome challenges, create more.
The International Coconut Community Secretariat, collaborated with many national and international agencies, plans to organize several online seminars and online training courses for coconut farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics include the processing of high-quality coconut products using simple equipment and tools at home for consumption by family members or for making money. The increase of coconut product consumption from many markets around the globe has contributed to creating a large gap between supply and demand for raw materials. There are many large-scale coconut replanting programs and the application of GAP to coconut cultivation should be encouraged to increase coconut production. Collaboration between the coconut industry-related industries is essential to promote these activities.
"The secret of crisis management is not saying good to bad, which will help prevent the bad from getting worse," said Ken Matos, workforce strategy consultant.
A speech of CEO ICC Dr. DR. JELFINA C. ALOUW - “The Cocommunity, Vol L.No.5, 2020)