Underplanting coconuts with cacao in Malaya

Increasing interest is being shown in underplanting coconuts with cacao in Malaysia. Such plantings are providing crop diversification, greater land utilisation and good profitability. Planting techniques vary to some extent from those used for cacao monoculture in other countries. Most material now planted is either of the Upper Amazon variety or hybrid Upper Amazon x Amelonado. Seed germination and nursery techniques are described, with considerable importance being attached to this stage and the initial field planting. The coconut stand provides some shade but additional shade is required during the early stages. Planting design is determined by the coconut stand; usually, twin rows of cacao are planted 10 ft apart, with a spacing of 6 3/4 ft or 6 1/3 ft. Planting practice, weed control, pruning and manuring are described. Pests and diseases are not yet serious, with such attacks as occur being readily controlled. Harvesting takes place at 7-14-day intervals and subsequent processing follows the normal pattern. Yield expectations and profitability are mentioned