The Department of Agriculture has exceeded its target under the Coconut Replanting Program, but concerns remain over the spread of the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB).

Launched in 2016, the program aimed to distribute over 1 million coconut seedlings across Vanuatu by 2025.

Coconut is one of Vanuatu’s main cash crops and a priority for the Agriculture Department, which envisions sustaining and developing the industry for the future.

Agriculture Director Antoine Ravo confirmed that farmers have already planted 1,289,908 seedlings, surpassing the original goal.

The program has been supported by key partners, including EDF 11, one of its main donors.

“This program has contributed indirectly to market prices, which now stand at 80,000 vatu per tonne. But this highlights the importance of tackling CRB across provinces. Last year, the department shifted resources to support CRB control as part of our long-term strategy,” Mr Ravo said.

Despite the success of the replanting program, risks remain from the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle, which was first detected in Vanuatu in 2019.

The pest has now spread to Efate, Santo and, earlier this year, Epi.

Acting Director of the Biosecurity Department, Lilly Fatdal Antfalo, said field work is ongoing to contain the beetle and minimize its damage, while awareness is being raised in communities across the country.

“We face many challenges with CRB, which threatens one of our most important cash crops. Through the Director General’s office, we have mobilized resources within the ministry to address early detection, implement biological control, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the coconut industry,” Ms Antfalo explained.

As the replanting program draws to a close this year, the Department of Agriculture is working on plans to continue the effort and seek additional support to help farmers protect and grow Vanuatu’s coconut industry.