Over-harvest causes Salalah coconut shortage

The coconut season is running out in Dhofar and shops dealing in young coconuts are facing a shortage of Salalah’s specialty fruit.

Shopkeepers say there are bugs behind them, while authorities “totally” disagree and say “over-harvesting” is the main reason for the shortage.

“We face challenges with attacks by rhinoceros beetles (Oryctes rhinoceros) and coconut beetles (Brontispa longissima), which kill coconut trees in the early growth stages and young or mature stages respectively. But the shortage in market supply is not due to this problem,” said Dr Ahmed Shanfari, director of the Agriculture and Livestock Research Department in Dhofar.

Dr. Ahmed Al Shanfari

He called on farmers to be more aware and wait until the fruits are ripe before picking them as currently the bugs only affect the shape of the trees and leaves but not the fruits.

“For example, there may be leaves that are yellowing or drying out, and there may be some scarring on the husks, but that hasn’t affected production yet,” he said.

He said that due to the early harvesting of coconuts, many buyers ended up with tender coconuts containing only water but no flesh.

Dr Ahmed Shanfari, an expert in agricultural technology, biotechnology and plant molecular biology, said the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) is well aware of the bug problem and has taken all possible measures to address it.

Salalah coconut has always been a favorite among tourists. A trip to Salalah would not be complete if tourists have not tasted the fresh coconut juice and coconut meat. Coconut water and coconut meat shops are scattered everywhere, mainly along the seaside roads.

Huts selling local fruits and vegetables are one of the main attractions for tourists as they are the most authentic selling point of Salalah’s green products.

Due to the large influx of tourists during the Dhofar festival, demand for coconuts is at an all-time high and there is even a supply shortage. But it’s too early to see supply shortages before the season has fully begun.