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There
are numerous opportunities within the coconut sector in which
small-scale producers can add value to coconut through product
diversification, technology improvements and enhanced market access.
Production of coconut sugar is one of them. It was observed that the
income of coconut farmers is five times higher if they tap the tree
and process the sap into sugar rather than depend only on its fruit.
Traditionally, it a cottage industry in the Philippines and has been a
source of brisk income to augment the measly wage of coconut farmers.
Charcoal making, handicrafts are some of the large number of
traditional products that could be derived from coconut fruits and
trees. It is a "no-waste tree" as even its waste products
provide ample opportunity to augment farmers' income.
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TOP
25 COMPANIES AWARD
Recognizing
and awarding the best performing companies is good. However, efforts
should be made to ensure dividend payment by those companies which
often deprive their shareholders. This can only be made possible by
improving corporate governance.
MAP
SEMINAR
Pakistan has entered into
a new era of economic prospects after September 11, 2001 in which
economic fundamentals are not as worse as being perceived. Economic
managers had made mistakes in the past but efforts should be made not
to repeat the same.
