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{
    "id": 305356,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/305356/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 334,
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    "content": "varieties of coconut that can be high yielding and that can render more production to farmers. Research is missing out in the functions and it will be very important to have a research component to the functions of the authority so that we can experiment with diverse types of coconuts given our various climatic and soil conditions under which the coconuts grow. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, we must not take it for granted that the only variety of coconut that we have at the coast is the only variety that can possibly grow in Kenya. We must open our minds to know that the soil types and humidity available at the coast can and may be replicated elsewhere and that under very careful research and manipulation of the coconut seed and seedlings, we can improve productivity and adapt the growing of coconuts in various areas in Kenya. Let us realise that over the last couple of years, we have really lost in the production of many of our cash crops. Many years ago, Kenya was exporting about 135,000 metric tonnes of coffee per year but we are now exporting about 45,000 metric tonnes of coffee. We have to import the Robusta Coffee from Uganda and Congo to mix with our Arabica to try and meet what could be our quota in our world market. We must, therefore, learn not only to improve the production of coffee and tea in our nation by diversifying coffee and tea growing areas but also venture into other crops like the coconut. I think this was an extremely important initiative by my former Assistant Minister, Mr. Mungatana and I miss him a great deal. I hope that when the authority is established, it will not just be a bureaucracy but an authority with a mission to improve the income of coconut growers from where they are today and an authority with a mission to expand coconut growing beyond the mere subsistence coconut growing as we know it today. Coconut must be grown as an industrial crop; as a crop that will enjoy tremendous value addition not only to produce various products for the home market but also for export. If you look at dietary regulations that most experts recommend for people with various health problems, you will see that the coconut plays a very important part. Indeed, in bio-medicine or herbal medicine, coconut plays an extremely important part. So, this is an area that we are venturing in the new frontier of agricultural production and a new frontier of provision of nutritious food that must be supported. Therefore, if this authority can also go into research and into the nutritional value of coconuts--- Whenever we go to the coast, we are very ready to drink that cold water that comes out of coconut. That “water” has many values."
}