Pangasinan: Coconut farmers in the province of Pangasinan are being trained to turn by-products from coconut fruit into charcoal and fertilizer for additional income. Dr. Grace Ventura, Agricultural Training Institute Region 1 (CFIDP) focal person, in an interview on Wednesday, said the 25 representatives from various registered coconut farmers associations in the province have been trained by the Agricultural Training Institute in the Ilocos Region and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) through the CFIDP on charcoal briquetting and coconut wood vinegar (Mokusaku fertilizer) production at the Quinit School of Science, Agriculture, Trade and Arts Inc. (QSSTAI) in Calasiao town.

According to Philippines News Agency, PCA Ilocos Region senior agriculturist Brenda Perez said the coconut charcoal made from the outer shell of the coconut fruit and the fertilizer are both sustainable and environment-friendly as alternatives to the existing charcoal and fertilizers in the market. QSSATAI administrative head Gerald Quinit said these new products are beneficial to the environment.

Quinit explained that the process involves using a carbonizer machine, which reduces smoke and pollution compared to open pit burning. He added that it is also practical even for households to use in their food preparation, especially with the increased prices of liquefied petroleum gas. Quinit emphasized that the use of coconut charcoal briquettes is a cost-effective and practical way for cooking, as it requires only a few briquettes compared to a gas stove, making it a sustainable option for households.

The training initiative is expected to eventually encompass all coconut farmers in the province, equipping them with the skills needed for coconut charcoal briquettes and fertilizer production.