The 13 districts of Lau have been given a quota to plant 3,000 new coconut trees.

A Senior Agriculture Officer, Mere Salusalu says the farmers of Lau are being encouraged to plant the Niu Magimagi variety of coconut trees as there is a huge demand in the coconut industry.

Over the years, the Tavuni Coconut Centre in Mua has been supplying coconut seedlings to farmers which has proved to be an expensive exercise.

As a result farmers are being encouraged to use their own coconut planting materials which they will be reimbursed for at the end of the year.

Salusalu also says that after close inspection; a lot of coconut trees have become senile on the islands.

The new plantations are to boost the coconut industry for the outer islands.

The Department of Agriculture will pay farmers 36 cents per coconut seedling they plant.

The Lau islands have been dependent on the copra industry for some time.

With the implementation of the new replanting scheme, future generations will be able to enjoy the benefits.