The Coconut Down Stream Processing (CDSP) program under the Research and Development Division is focused on developing and implementing downstream processing of HVCPs through effective research and development activities. Correspondingly the program is involved in prioritizing farm improvement activities by working in collaboration with corresponding departments in conducting trials and data collection of selected coconut varieties for quality coconut cultivar identification. CDSP is also involved in field extension services through conducting white copra trainings to coconut farmers, quality inspections and export certification for coconut oil and copra meal stakeholders in Madang Province, copra storage sheds and copra driers. Included in this report are the 5 different projects that CDSP is currently working on in which three of which are under preparatory stages.

Aim

The aim of CDSP program is established in relation to the Coconut Industry Strategy Plan 2016 – 2025:

1. Increase the production of copra in Papua New Guinea by 7% from current production of 273,873 tonnes of copra equivalent towards reaching the target of 440,000 tonnes of copra equivalent by 2030;
2. Increase the use of quality coconut products locally from current levels
3. Boost resilient smallholder coconut farmers, processors and traders
4. Mobilize production groups through creation of SME’s, MSMEs and Cooperatives
5. Increase the range of commercially viable coconut products produced for domestic and export markets
6. Adopt and utilize improved technologies of coconut processing techniques.

Objective

Demand for HVCP in both domestic and global markets is increasing because of its benefits in the food and non-food, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, pharmaceutical and biofuel industries. Correspondingly, CDSP is taking the proactive approach in promoting the production and processing of HVCP beginning with virgin coconut oil and its derivatives such as coconut soap, body lotions, and cooking oil.

The program is also doing research on other HVCPs that are rarely known in PNG like coco sugar, coco honey and coco vinegar. CDSP is focused on improving the productivity and quality of coconut products to promote product diversification by conducting research trials on current HVCP processes, with the aim of identifying simpler methods that are viable and affordable to farmers and interested individuals who are willing to venture into coconut HVCP processing.

One of the main objectives of the program is to improve the current copra quality of PNG from substandard or black copra to high quality or edible white copra. The approach is executed by doing investigative research on copra drier designs to identify the most efficient drier design that would be both affordable and manageable by coconut farmers.