PCA Palawan distributes 29,800 bags of salt fertilizer

Puerto Princesa City (4 August) -- The Philippine Coconut Authority in Palawan has already distributed 29,800 bags of salt fertilizers to coconut farmers in the province and Puerto Princesa City released in three batches in 2010.
From 2008 to present, farmers in Palawan and Puerto Princesa City have been fertilizing approximately 11,400 hectares with salt benefitting about 5,500 coconut farmers.
The salt fertilizer subsidy is a national government intervention which aims to increase coconut production by 25 percent. The project also ensures availability of alternatives clean energy in compliance with the Bio-Fuels Act of 2006.
The use of sodium chloride or common salt as fertilizer is a practical means of increasing coconut production. It is the cheapest and best source of chlorine to increase copra yield. Salt fertilizer accelerates crop growth; increase copra weight and the number of nuts; minimizes leaf spot damage; and, environmentally friendly.
Salt may be applied by broadcast in flat to slightly sloping areas or by holing for hilly-sloping areas. The use of this fertilizer at a rate of 1-2 kilogram salt per tree is estimated to give added benefits of P10,000-P19,000 per hectare per year at P12/kilogram copra.
The salt fertilizer program is being implemented by PCA in cooperation with the Coconut Industry Investment Fund (CIIF), and the local government units. (PIA)