The supply position of copra to Esiama copra oil mill: 1961-69

Abstract

The Esiama Copra Oil mill continues to face inadequate supplies of copra for processing. The presence of large stretches of coconut plantations in the area has always led those concerned with the problem to assume a vast capacity for copra, and therefore attribute this deficiency to other causes without much evidence. With existing crushing capacity of 9,,600 tons and a potential capacity of about 15,,000 tons per year, the minimum mature acreage required is about 30,000 to 35,000, assuming that the total expected output will be realized. This acreage is just about the estimated existing acreage for commercially mature coconuts. But this potential is not fully realizable because the physical collection of the nuts is severely limited by the quick regeneration of high bush on the farms. Bad husbandry is conducive to the growth of bush, and poor husbandry is encouraged by the widespread practice of loosing the farms for long periods to non-farmers for the collection of nuts, thus - the existing state of affairs is such that there is insufficient acreage to keep the mill operating at full oapacity" a situation made worse by under developed facilities for collection and assembly In a single crop economy,the coconut has a special place in the existence of the society, and therefore carries with it economic as well as political attributes. In the past, the latter were given preference in the organisation of the factory and in obtaining supplies from the producer. This to some extent undermined the famers confidence nnd hence reduced supplies to the factory even further. At the present high level of producer prices, it appears that supplies are no longer price elastic and therefore any further increases in price would not elicit the required increases in supplies. In any case it would swell the faotory`s costs Vlithout any assurance of increased supplies. It is very doubtful if the traditional oil producers have any significant effect on the supplies that oould reaoh the factory. However, this fact must first be ascertained before any firm conclusions can be drawn, but from past figures of oil produced in the area they do not appear to be very important. Even though the factory is the biggest purchaser of the output of copra it has never been given the opportunity to develop the markot power which will ensure purchasing on rational lines