Centre Plans Coconut Sector Revamp; Focus on Productivity and Farmer Income

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday held a post-Budget consultation in Chennai with coconut growers, scientists, agricultural experts and industry stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening India's coconut sector and improving farmers' incomes.

The meeting focused on addressing productivity challenges, promoting new technologies and developing policies to support farmers dependent on coconut cultivation.

Coconut Sector Supports Millions of Livelihoods

Addressing the gathering, Chouhan highlighted the economic significance of coconut cultivation in India, noting that around 1.25 crore farmers are engaged in coconut farming, while nearly 3 crore people depend on the coconut sector for their livelihood.

He said Tamil Nadu remains one of the major centres of coconut production in the country, playing a crucial role in sustaining the industry and contributing to the rural economy.

The Minister also paid tribute to the rich culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu and acknowledged the state's contributions to India's agricultural and economic development.

Aging Plantations and Pest Attacks Affect Production

Chouhan pointed out that many coconut plantations in the country are around 60 years old, leading to declining productivity.

He also highlighted the growing impact of diseases such as root wilt and whitefly infestations, which are affecting coconut yields and creating economic challenges for farmers.

"These issues require coordinated efforts, research support and policy interventions to protect the livelihoods of coconut growers," the Minister said.

Government to Promote Disease-Resistant Varieties

To address the sector's challenges, the government plans to focus on developing advanced and disease-resistant coconut varieties.

The initiative aims to improve productivity, enhance the quality of produce and strengthen India's competitiveness in the global coconut export market.

Chouhan emphasised that collaboration between farmers, scientists and agricultural institutions is essential to identify practical solutions and ensure that policies are grounded in farmers' real needs.

Coconut Promotion Scheme to Boost Farmer Income

The Minister also highlighted the Coconut Promotion Scheme announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which aims to expand production, encourage value addition and strengthen the coconut value chain.

A key component of the scheme will be the promotion of intercropping with coconut, allowing farmers to cultivate additional crops alongside coconut plantations to diversify income sources.

According to Chouhan, this approach can significantly improve the economic viability of coconut farms while increasing farmers' resilience against market fluctuations.

Strengthening Infrastructure and Value Addition

The government is also planning several initiatives to modernise the coconut sector, including:

• Replacing old and unproductive coconut plantations with new high-yield varieties

• Establishing high-quality coconut nurseries

• Expanding modern processing facilities

• Promoting value-added coconut products to increase farmer returns

These measures aim to create a stronger ecosystem for coconut farmers and improve their market opportunities.

Policy Framework Under Consultation

Chouhan said consultations with farmers, scientists and state governments are ongoing to finalise the framework of the Coconut Promotion Scheme.

He added that a comprehensive institutional structure related to the Coconut Promotion Board will also be developed to guide the long-term growth of the sector.

The proposed measures are expected to significantly benefit coconut farmers across the country. In Tamil Nadu alone, the Minister noted that nearly 28 per cent of farmers are likely to benefit from the initiatives.

Celebrating India's Linguistic Diversity

During the interaction, Chouhan also spoke about India's linguistic diversity, encouraging participants to communicate in their mother tongues during discussions if they feel more comfortable.

He said that using regional languages not only makes dialogue easier but also reflects the country's cultural richness and unity in diversity.