Kerala farmers receive a boost with revised support schemes worth ₹30 crore on World Coconut Day. Focus on increased productivity & value-added products
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala, the land synonymous with coconuts, is at the heart of India’s World Coconut Day celebrations taking place on Tuesday.
The day is observed on the foundation day of the International Coconut Community (ICC), with this year’s theme being “Uncovering Coconuts’ Power, Inspiring Global Action.”
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is set to virtually inaugurate the celebrations. The event will include the presentation of Export Excellence Awards, release of new publications by the Coconut Development Board (CDB), and a technical session on processing, value addition, and export prospects.
A key announcement this year is the introduction of revised farmer welfare schemes, worth more than ₹30 crore, with Kerala emerging as a major beneficiary.
Of the 23,000 hectares of coconut cultivation identified nationwide, nearly 10,000 hectares are in Kerala.
The revisions aim to address rising farming expenses, soaring fertiliser costs, pest-related damage, and crop losses caused by changing climatic conditions.
In some schemes, financial assistance has been raised nearly tenfold, giving farmers much-needed relief. The Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme has also been reinforced.
Coconut sector workers are now eligible for insurance cover up to ₹7 lakh, with an annual premium of only ₹143 per person. This measure is expected to bring vital social security to thousands of labourers in the sector.
More than 1,500 farmers representing 150 clusters are anticipated to take part in the event, along with exporters, entrepreneurs, and policy experts.
The new schemes focus on boosting productivity, promoting value-added products such as virgin coconut oil, and strengthening export opportunities. These measures are expected to revive the sector and ensure higher returns for growers.
For Kerala, where coconuts symbolise not just a crop but also a cultural identity, the initiatives represent recognition of tradition alongside a renewed commitment to securing farmers’ livelihoods.
On this World Coconut Day, the palm that defines the state’s identity is being backed with stronger policies and financial support. This event takes place at a time when Karnataka has edged out Kerala to take the number one position in coconut production in the country.
IANS
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