That Problem Of Copra
p. 61 · Read in the full issue
Storage
THE following “Notes on Copra” are from the March issue of the “New Guinea Agricultural Gazette”: — Copra dried to 6 to 7 per cent., if stored in a well-ventilated dry store at an even temperature, will not seriously deteriorate. It is apparent that there is little to gain by drying copra much below 6 per cent, moisture content, al though in the past much more stringent recommendations have been made. —The Tropical Agriculturist, 1937.
As usually shipped in the East, copra is attacked in transit by moulds and in sects, resulting in serious losses and deterioration. Experiment had shown
that it can be dried to such an extent that moulds and insects do not touch it, and that the resultant short weight is amply compensated by the absence of loss. This is not yet fully appreciated, but undoubtedly will be in time. —United Empire, August, 1938.