Normally coconut leaves used for thaching last only for 1-2 years. Are there any methods to increase the life span of coconut leaves used for thatching?
The Regional Research Laboratory at Thiruvananthapuram has standardised a simple process to extend the life of coconut leaf thatch upto four years. The process involves dipping plaits of coconut leaves for 5 minutes in copper sulphate (1kg copper sulphate in 100 litre water for 100 plaited leaves), draining out excess solution and stacking them overnight, followed by spraying with cashewnut shell liquid (3kg CNSL + 1/2 kg kerosene) and then subjecting it to sun drying for 3-4 days. The treatment costs more than about 50 per cent of the initial cost for thatching but it is economical because of durability and no recurring expenses for next four years.
