Super typhoon Yolanda affected 1,411,698 coconut trees in the Central Visayas when it hit the region on Nov. 8, a Philippine Coconut Authority 7 official said in a government release yesterday.

PCA 7 regional manager Dennis Andres said that, of the number, 1,233,725 coconut trees sustained slight to moderate damage, while 177,973 were categorized with severe to total damage.

Andres said the damage to coconut trees in the region resulted in a 26 percent reduction in coconut production and has affected the livelihood of 46,921 farmers.

He said it will take, roughly, three to five years before the coconut industry in the region recovers.

Andres said their ongoing rehabilitation efforts include debris management, replanting, fertilization and intercropping.

He advised coconut farmers to replant tall varieties, instead of dwarf coconuts, for durability, although harvest will take longer for the former.*PNA

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