'APCC needs to collectively develop tech, share expertise'

The Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC) needs to collectively develop technologies and share its expertise, especially with regard to value added products, a top industry official has said.
The market demand for coconut oil, virgin coconut oil and neutraceuticals is growing in double digits, Coconut Development Board chairman T K Jose told reporters here.
"There is a need to tap this demand. These value added products are happening in countries like US and Japan. Why can't APCC collectively develop technologies and share," he said.
Steps are on to adopt tissue culture in coconut palms to enable rapid multiplying of planting material which will revolutionise production in all coconut producing countries, Jose said.

In oil palm, date palm and arecanut, commercially viable tissue culture is possible.
"Discussions have been held on how to expedite and accelerate research on adopting tissue culture in coconut palms," Jose said.

This would be a possibility only in 5-10 year period, he said, adding that the central government had offered a lead role.
The first clinical trials on coconut oil among heart patients were conducted in India and APCC wants it to be held in multi countries and on different ethnic communities.
Another clinical study on Neera has also been initiated, he added.