COCONUT CULTIVATION IN KERALA-AN OVERVIEW

Sanooja Nisban KH
HSST Economics
Puliyaparamb higher secondary school , Kodunthirappully, Palakkad
 ABSTRACT

Coconut farming plays a vital role in the agrarian economy of Kerala state besides its
unique place in the socio- cultural fabric of the region. It was always considered as the
symbol of rural prosperity and for many years Kerala ranked first in both area of production
of coconut in the country. However, Kerala, ‘the land of coconut' is gradually losing it’s
Supremacy in coconut production scenario of the country. It’s share in area as well as
production of coconut in the country is declining over time and coconut growers are going
through a crisis situation as it tough to manage the crop on a remunerative basis. The coconut
sector in the state of late confronted by umpteen challenges, there are way out to combat and
conquer the obstacles and steer the sector to profitable,vibrant and sustainable road map.
 INTRODUCTION

Coconut Palms are grown widely in the coastal tracks of the country. Copra, the
dried kernel is the chief commercial product from coconut, which is mainly used for
oil extraction. Copra normally has an oil content varying from 65 to 72%. Coconut oil
is an important cooking medium in Southern parts of the country especially in Kerala
state. Besides the oil has varied industrial applications. It is used in the manufacture of
toilet soaps laundry,soaps surface,active agents, detergents, hair tonic, cosmetics etc. It
is used throughout the country as a hair oil as it helps growth of the hair. As a massage
oil it has a cooling effect on the body. Owing to these qualities coconut oil has a
potential market in the country. Since the price of coconut oil in the international
market is very much lower than the domestic price, the quality and attractiveness of
consumer packs are important factors to complete in the world market. While the
demand for coconut oil for cooking purpose is elastic, it’s demand as hair oil is
inelastic. For the extraction of oil from copra the common method still prevailing in
our country is by using Rotary chucks. But the efficient system of extraction of oil is
by the use of expellers. Process well dried copra with a moisture content not exceeding
6% is cleaned well from any foreign matter. It is then cut into small chips in a Copra
cutter. The chips are fed into steam jacketed kettles and cooked mildly at the
temperature of 70⁰C for 30 minutes. After proper cooking, the cooked material is fed
into the expeller continuously and pressed twice. The combined oil from the first and
second pressing is collected in a tank provided separately. This oil is filtered by means
of a filter press and stored in MS tanks. Bulk packaging is done in tin containers.
HDPE containers and polymeric nylon barrier pouches are used for small consumer
packing. The quality of Cobra is related to the quality of coconut oil. The oil cake
obtained as a by product will find a ready market as a cattle feed and in the
manufacture of mixed a cattle feeds or as a raw material for the extraction of
remaining oil buy oil extraction Method.
 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

1. To analyze production and productivity of coconut in Kerala.

2. To identify the price volatility of coconut in Kerala.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

 Coconut crops are susceptible to pests like beetles, and diseases like root wilt which can
significantly impact production
 Coconut prices can be volatile, affecting farmers income and livelihood.

METHODOLOGY OF THE STUDY

The study is a research based on the survey method. The secondary data were
used for the study. Secondary data are collected through books, magazine, journals,
website etc.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

Coconut is an important tropical oil seed crop, which gives coconut water, oil cake
for cattle etc. since, it is the leading commodities in agriculture. The districts climate and
geography make it suitable for coconut production, with many farmers incorporating
coconut - based farming systems. It also provides a significant source of income for
farmers in the study area, with opportunities for value through product like coconut oil. It
also opportunities for improving productivity, managing pests and diseases, and adding
value to coconut products. Coconut oil and other coconut products have a growing demand
in the global market. And also to provide govt. support to the processing units. In addition to
understand the role of private agro based industries.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Coconut is one of the major crop in the study area. It contributes the economic,
social, and cultural development in many ways. It is also a primary source of food to the
people. It provides the basic raw materials to the oil production. It also focusing on identify
the most efficient channels to optimize marketing costs and ensure remunerative price for a
producers and major reasons for volatility of coconut oil price in the study area.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

 Sajith Kumar k, 2023 : The “highest number (16%) of unit came up in the food
processing sector, most of the entrepreneurs started coconut oil units."
 A study on coconut farmers in Palakkad identified producer - village trader - whole
Salers - retailer - consumer. " (2022)
 Dr. P. SENTHIL KUMAR (2022) "A STUDY ON GROWTH AND
PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE OF COCONUT INDUSTRY IN TAMIL NADU".
In this paper study the trend and growth of coconut production in
Tamil Nadu during the period from 2010-11 to 2019-20. Indonesia is the highest coconut
producing country in the world. India accounts for 22.34 per cent of the worlds. coconut
production and is one of the major players in the world's coconut trade. The Karnataka is
the highest coconut production 30.83 share of percentage in India level. Coimbatore got the
first rank in coconut production in Tamil Nadu level. Status of Tamil Nadu, it is understood
that year on year increase of 0.70 per cent when measured in terms of compound rate of
2.966.30 area in hectare in terms of absolute values on the average in area was significant
for coconut. But from the coefficient of variation values, it is apparent that the trend and
growth in productivity (CV 16.05) and production (CV 14.44) is highly inconsistent
compared to that of area (CV 2.21) in coconut. As increase in area was not proportionate to
an increase in production, there had been a notable decline (CAGR 3.13,1-2.57, p<0.01)
and productivity (CAGR-3.81.1-3.09, p<0.05) during the study period.
 AN OVERVIEW OF KERALA
In 2021, India produced 14,301,000 metric tons of coconuts, placing it as the third
largest coconut producer globally, behind Indonesia and the Philippines. India’s coconut
production represents 22.34% of the world total, making it a major player in the global
coconut trade. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala are the leading coconut producing state
in India. Karnataka in the largest coconut producer in India, with a production of 726 crore
coconuts. Tamil Nadu follows as the second largest producer, with 578 crore coconuts.
Kerala is the third largest producer, with 564 crore coconuts. The area of coconut
production in India 2023-2024 has deceased in 2,165.20 a comparing in 2022 – 2023 in
2,277.18. The productivity of coconut in India has increased in 2023 – 24 in 9,871 as
compared to 2022 – 23 in 9,018.

The coconut farming sector in South India has been hit by what can be
termed as a paradox of prosperity. While the price of coconut has skyrocketed,
shroud of melancholy has enveloped the sector in Kerala with farmers in
distress over a steep decline in production. The price of coconut has touched Rs.
80 per kg in the local market while coconut oil is selling for over Rs. 400 a litre.
Mill owners and manufacturers are in Crisis due to scarcity of nuts and
exporters how taken huge losses unable to balance purchase and market prices.
“ We procure coconut from both Kerala and Tamil Nadu. There has been a
steep decline in productivity, which has triggered scarcity in the market. Our
export volumes have taken a beating and we have rescheduled work shifts at
the factory due to non available of coconut. We are unable to increase the price
in the export market as that will affect our pricing advantage” said the owner of
a leading export firm.
According to experts, multiple factors have contributed to the crisis.
Small and marginal farmers have stopped manuring, harvesting and cleaning the
Crown of coconut trees in recent years due to law procurement rates and high
fertilizer prices. Moreover, coconut climbers charge Rs. 70-100 per tree, which
growers say is proving unaffordable.
“ There has been a decline in productivity due to climate change, relative
humidity and scant rainfall. Despite productivity enhancement programs, the
area under cultivation is declining in Kerala. The coconut development board
(CDB) spends Rs. 20 crore a year in Kerala on productivity enhancement
initiatives.
Around 38 % of coconut farms in Kerala are old and senile and farmers
complain of pests and diseases. Though we have trained 33000 people in Kerala
over the past decade, there is shortage of climbers in state” said CDB chief
coconut Development Officer B Hanumanthe Gowda.
As a part of a shared culinary identity, coconut oil is an integral
ingredient in homes, eating establishment and small businesses. Overall,
coconut oil is highlighted in various ways, many of which are linked with
Kerala’s preparation of food. According to recent sources, coconut oil prices in
Kerala house surged from ₹200 per litre in early 2025 to ₹340 to ₹450 per litre
by July 2025, with projections from Onam forecasting a price of ₹600. With
exports of coconut products valued at ₹4349 crore in 2024-2025. Kerala’s
coconut industry makes a sustainable economic contribution.
Climate factors driving the coconut oil price surge decline in coconut out
The main contributing factor to the price increase in the decline in coconut
production, with regions like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka impacted specifically.
Unpredictable weather events, high humidity and more significantly little rainfall
have impacted coconut yield in this reason. A 40% decline in coconut production
has meant a very significant reduction in the availability of raw materials for
coconut oil production.
Impacts on Kerala’s economy and Society
The price increase impacts households and small businesses ; tea stalls in
kuravilangad and karukachal have raised snack prices by₹ 6 to cover expenses.
One Velloor tea stall owner, for instance, state that daily oil costs increased from
₹ 1400 for 10 litres to ₹3400. Coconut oil price in Kerala have Surged
prompting restaurants to switch to a sunflower or palm oil, which alters the talk
of classic foods. Coconut oil is culturally essential to Kerala society. So this shift
threatens the state's culinary tradition. Millers and exporters experience caused
prohibitive Sourcing and supply constraints that create a loss for their businesses.

Potential solutions and initiatives boosting productivity

The creation of a task force of coconut climbers is one of the initiative being
implemented by the coconut development board to improve coconut cultivation.
The goals of these programs are to stabilize supply and increase yields.
Interventions by government
To alleviate supply problems ahead of Onam celebration in September,
measures are being taken to investigate import Strategies and reduce the cost of
coconut oil.
Ecological methods
Encouraging climate resilient farming practices, such as improved irrigation and
drought tolerant coconut cultivars, could increase output and lessen the effects of
unpredictable.
The role of private sector
Promoting investment in processing facilities could improve local supply,
stabilize prices and lessen dependency on raw exports.
Challenges and opportunities
Persistent climatic hazards and hefty labor costs , which coconut climbers charge
between ₹70 to ₹100 per tree are obstacles. Opportunities includes utilising
Technology for more efficient production and leveraging Kerala’s export
potential, which generator ₹ 242 crore from the sale of 17583 tonnes of copra in
2024-2025. Long term stability can be ensured by adhering to the sustainable
development goals.
Coconut production in India has been harved and prices how more than doubled
due to whitefly attack that has severely affected southern India. The price of
coconut which was ₹200 per kilogram at the same time last year, is now ₹460.
This years coconut production figures experts from the coconut development
board responded that all though the production loss cannot be estimated based on
the figures as they are not yet ready, farmers in the states of Tamilnadu
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are confirming this. The white flies which grow
in colonies on the tips of coconut Palms, suck the sap of the leaves and their
excrement ( Sooty mould) sticks to the underside of the leaves like a black film.
Millions of white flies can live together. When waterlogging occurs the growth
of the coconut tree will be stunded. The leaves will develop mold and lack
photosynthesis. This will significantly reduce production. The whitefly
infestation has intensified since 2019. The severe drought in 2022 lead to a
serious outbreak of whitefly in Karnataka. Coconut production in Tamilnadu was
also severely affected. The infestation is not as severe in Kerala due to
intermittent rains. However, there is a significant reduction in production.
Conclusion
Coconut oil prices in Kerala have Surged, creating severe difficulties drive and
by global demand and climate induced production decline. To address supply
issues and preserve the states culinary heritage, collaboration between the public
and private sector is essential. Kerala can strive toward an affordable coconut oil
and resilient agriculture future by prioritizing sustainable practices and policies
changes.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

 Coconut development board

 An official of industrial department
 Department of Agriculture marketing.
 Sajith Kumar k, 2023 :
 Dr. P. SENTHIL KUMAR (2022)
 JC Alouw and S Wulandari (2020)
 Raghavi.MD SakthiBalaa.etc (2019)
 Govindasamy R. (2018)
 Dr.S.M.Yamuna, Ms.R.Ramya (2016)

 INDIA MART

 JC Alouw and S Wulandari (2020) Present status and outlook of coconut development
in Indonesia Coconut (Cocox nucifera L.) is a socioeconomically important palm in
Indonesia, owned mostly by smallholders, Indonesia has the largest coconut palm-
growing areas in the world, followed by the Philippines and India.
 Raghavi.MD SakthiBalaa.etc (2019) Coconut plays an important role in contributing to
India's GDP of about 15,000 crore rupees and 72% of worlds total production is from
India and productivity is also high in India.
 Govindasamy R. (2018) "A Study on Production of Coconut in Coimbatore District,
Tamil Nadu" This study intends to analyze the production aspects of coconut cultivation
in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu state.
 Dr.S.M.Yamuna, Ms.R.Ramya (2016) "A STUDY OF COCONUT CULTIVATION
AND MARKETING IN POLLACHI TALUK" India is an
agricultural country and one third of population depends on the agricultural sector
directly or indirectly.
• Coconut journal.