Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, held a key post-Budget interaction in Chennai with coconut growers, scientists, agricultural experts and other stakeholders associated with the sector. The meeting focused on discussing strategies to strengthen the coconut industry, increase production and enhance farmers’ income.
The Union Minister noted that Tamil Nadu is one of the country’s leading centres of coconut production. He said nearly 12.5 million farmers across India are engaged in coconut cultivation, while close to 30 million people depend on the sector for their livelihoods. However, he acknowledged that coconut growers are currently facing several challenges that are affecting both production and productivity.
Chouhan pointed out that many coconut plantations in the country are nearly 60 years old, which has led to a decline in their productivity. In addition, diseases such as root wilt and infestations like whitefly are also affecting coconut crops in several regions. Addressing these issues will require coordinated efforts, innovation and improved farming practices to ensure better yields and higher farmer incomes.
The minister said the government will place special emphasis on developing new, high-yielding and disease-resistant coconut varieties. Such efforts are expected to improve both the quantity and quality of production, while also strengthening India’s position in the global coconut market.
Coconut Promotion Scheme to Boost Farmers’ Income:
Chouhan said the Coconut Promotion Scheme announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims to encourage greater production, strengthen processing infrastructure and promote intercropping practices in coconut farms. These measures are expected to create additional income opportunities for coconut farmers and make coconut cultivation more profitable.
Focus on Modern Processing and Value Addition:
The government, he added, is committed to providing better facilities and strong institutional support to coconut farmers. Plans include replacing ageing and low-yield plantations with new ones, establishing high-quality nurseries, expanding modern processing facilities and encouraging value addition in coconut-based products.
Preparing a Roadmap for the Coconut Sector:
The minister said consultations with farmers and state governments are ongoing to finalise the framework of the Coconut Promotion Scheme. Following this, a comprehensive structure related to the Coconut Promotion Board will also be developed to guide the sector’s growth in the coming years.
Expressing confidence in the initiative, Chouhan said it would bring significant benefits to coconut farmers across the country, with nearly 28 percent of farmers in Tamil Nadu expected to gain from the proposed measures.
FAQs:
1. What is the Coconut Promotion Scheme?
The Coconut Promotion Scheme is a government initiative aimed at increasing coconut production, strengthening processing infrastructure and improving the income of coconut farmers.
2. How many farmers are involved in coconut cultivation in India?
Around 12.5 million farmers in India are directly engaged in coconut cultivation.
3. What are the major problems faced by coconut farmers?
Major challenges include ageing plantations, diseases like root wilt and pest attacks such as whitefly infestation.
4. How will new coconut varieties help farmers?
High-yielding and disease-resistant coconut varieties can increase productivity and reduce crop losses for farmers.
5. How can coconut farmers increase their income?
Farmers can increase income through better farming practices, intercropping in coconut farms and value addition in coconut-based products.
