KARACHI (May 09 2003) - Government of Sindh plans to set up a Palm Oil &Coconut Research & Development Station to promote its production in thecoastal areas of the province.

K B Rind, Chief Secretary, Sindh, stated this while talking to adelegation of Pakistan Coconut & Oil Palm Plantation Society led by itsChairman Kaukab Iqbal here on Thursday.

A committee, headed by Secretary Forest, Shamsul Hag Memon, has been setup. Two members of the Plantation Society will also be its members.

The Chief Secretary informed the Society members that several schemes areunder process for the promotion and development of the crops of coconutand palm oil.

Chairman of the Society Kaukab Iqbal suggested that development tax, whichwas levied on edible oil import, may be spent on the research anddevelopment of palm oil and coconut production in Sindh province.

He said that at least Rs 0.1 million could be earned from a coconut farmmeasuring one acre only.

He said that there is a need to create awareness about the crop among thefarmers.

"There should be open debates, seminars and conferences in this regard,"he said.-APP