The Panamanian Ministry of Agricultural Development is implementing an integrated strategy to boost productivity and resilience of coconut production in Costa Abajo, Colón province. Costa Abajo consists of the districts of Chagres, Donoso, and Omar Torrijos Herrera, where coconut is a key ingredient in local cuisine. The initiative centers on three agroforestry demonstration plots that apply modern, sustainable practices to optimize crop management. Mother plants are selected, seeds are rigorously chosen, nurseries and greenhouses are prepared, and companion crops are integrated to improve soil and diversify production. As a result, 450 new coconut palms and 600 banana plants were planted, 1,650 seedlings were prepared, and 11 hectares were set up for the next planting cycle.
