CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUTION
Coconut which have its botanical name as cocosnucifera is used by every country all over the world but this project work is all about the local and industrial ways of using coconut palm products in Bendel state especially Agbazilo local government area. The people of Agbazilo local government area have fertile land for agricultural practice, though they use crude implements mostly, their main occupation is farming and hunting. Due to recent development in skills, the people of agbazilo have improved on the uses of these products; some parts can now be modernized. The coir fibre of interior quality obtained by partial retting in husks and subsequent mechanical decortication are used for stuffing mathresses, crushions and upholstery
In fact, the year 1976 is regarded as a ‘golden ‘year in Agbazilo. The local government council opened a training institute for the blind at Ubiaja. The aim of this was to train the blind (who were formally idle) how to make good use of coconut fibres (modernizing).
GENERAL ORIGIN   
For centuries now, there have been controversy among botanist over the origin of coconut. Until this moment, it has not been settled, this due to its mass cultivation and methods of dispersal.
Three different theories have propounded on the origin of coconut palm. The first theory suggested the northern end of ‘andes’ as the probable place of origin from where the dispersal might have been effected by the pre-historic explorers into the pacific. The same theory also rely on the fact that coconut came from America and this made them very popular among neighboring countries.
The second theory is in Favour of assigning its original habitat to the coasts of Central America from where the nuts might have been carried over by the equatorial ocean currents to pacific islands.
The third theory presumes its place of origin to be some where in South Asia or Malaysia or in the pacific from where the coconut might have accidentally reached coasts of America.
The above theories has its own merits and demerits, it is now widely accepted that the coconut palm might have originated, from America but some where in the old world tropics. However, in the absence of clinching evidence, it has not yet been possible to pinpoint the original habitat of the palm in the world tropics.
MAINTENANCE OF COCONUT PALM
It is most necessary to care for coconut palm from the time of planting to the third or fourth year that the palm can be made to bear early and well. Despite that, the seedlings should be protected from stray cattle till they attention sufficient height. This is done by financing individual’s plants or the entire garden. During the first year of planting, care should be taken to see that water as often as possible. During summer, the seedlings should be shaded properly. Shading reduces qualities and the frequency of watering. Termites, Rhinoceros beetle and the leaf eating caterpillar are the common pests found to affect mostly the young palms. The seedling should be inspected frequently and prompt control measures taken if affected by any of the above pests. Prophylactic sprayings with suitable copper fungicides should also be given against short rot and but rot diseases.