PCA, Mitsui partner for nanotechnology trials to boost coconut yield

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has signed an agreement with Japan’s Mitsui Group to test nanotechnology for coconut farms, boosting productivity for the country’s largest agricultural export. Following eight months of discussions, the PCA and Mitsui signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on July 27 to create a two-year field trial that will utilize nanotechnology in improving the yield and tree health of the country’s coconuts. Under the MOA, Mitsui will provide their proprietary nano-formulated nutrient technology, while the PCA will determine trial sites for the implementation of the project. PCA administrator and CEO Dexter Buted said the initiative opens avenues for the country’s coconut sector by introducing agricultural technologies that could improve productivity, tree health and farm resilience. “If the technology proves effective, it can help our coconut farmers produce more with fewer inputs while making the industry more globally competitive,” he added. The proprietary formula delivers nutrients directly to the coconut tree, unlike conventional fertilizers which are spread out on the soil. Tiny capsules containing nutrients and crop protection materials will be injected directly into the trunk, allowing better absorption while also using less nutrient solution. The agency noted that the Japanese technology has successfully been used in palm oil plantations to manage pest infestations. For his part, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said modernizing the coconut sector would provide stronger income to rural communities, improve export earnings and generate economic opportunities for coconut stakeholders. “Investments in innovation such as this will help ensure that our biggest agricultural export remains globally competitive,” he added. Exports of coconut-based products last year rose by 34 percent to an all-time high of $3.57 billion from $2.66 billion in 2025, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. The PCA said earlier that it expects another record high result this year, despite the threat of below-normal rainfall activity due to the El Niño weather event.