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COPRA TRADE - AGALEGA
The Postal Services is issuing a set of four postage stamps on the theme M?tiers
Traditionnels. The set depicts the different stages in the production of
coconut oil in Agalega, an island situated some 1000 kilometres to the north of
Mauritius and forming an integral part of the Republic. The set comprises
stamps of the one rupee, five rupees, six rupees and ten rupees denominations.
Re 1 - DEHUSKING OF COCONUTS
The dehusking
of coconuts consists of removing the nut from its fibrous envelope. The dehusking
of coconuts is made by means of a special heavy spear, 80 centimetres high,
placed firmly on the ground, with the metal point upwards. The softer part of
the nut is pressed on the steel edge and by two or three specific movements the
nut is removed from its fibrous envelope. An average of 1300 coconuts are dehusked
per manday. The stamp pictures the dehusking of coconuts by a worker.
Rs 5 - DESHELLING OF COCONUTS
This operation is done in three distinct movements. The nut placed in the left hand
is first hammered once or twice on a square brick placed between the thighs of
the worker sitting on a low stool. The coconut flesh is separated from the
shell by means of a small knife. The deshelling of coconuts is essentially performed
by women. The number required per worker is approximately 650 per day. The
stamp depicts workers deshelling coconuts.
Rs 6 - DRYING OF COPRA
The coconut flesh extracted from the nut is then brought to the
copra-kiln for drying. Fresh copra contains 30 to 40 percent of oil, and when
dried 60 to 70 percent. The time for drying through the kiln depends on the
humidity content of the flesh. The coco flesh are spread on large shelves
fixed horizontally around the wall of the kiln. Dried nut shells are used as
combustible for heating the kiln. The stamp shows employees looking after the
drying of copra in the kiln.
Rs 10 - OIL EXTRACTION
The extraction of coconut oil is made in the old traditional way. The copra is
crushed by means of a bronze pestle into a motor driven mortar of about one metre
diameter. The oil pressed out goes through a filtering sieve and is collected
in a plastic bucket. The solid residue (Pounac) is eventually used for
livestock feed. An average of 175 litres of oil is produced daily. The stamp illustrates
the machine used for oil extraction.
FIRST DAY COVER ILLUSTRATION
The first day cover illustrates the picking of coconuts.
THE CANCELLATION CACHET
The cancellation cachet especially designed for the issue is applied on
official first day cover only.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Designer : Ross Watton
Printer : BDT International
Size : 27.94 x 44.45 mm
Perforation : 14
Gum : PVA
Paper : Crown Agents Watermarked
Sheet format : 50 stamps set in two panes of 25
Issue date : 5 December 2001.
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