Green Coconut Boom: Gujarat Leads in Production

Gandhinagar : Gujarat is fast emerging as the top destination for green coconuts. Gujarat’s annual production of green coconuts (tender coconuts) exceeds 23.60 crore units per annum with the expansion of about 4,900 hectares of land under coconut cultivation and production in the last one decade. 

The World Coconut Day, celebrated globally on September 2nd, aims to raise awareness about the benefits of coconuts and highlight their importance in various products and employment opportunities. India ranks among the top countries in coconut production and export. Gujarat has the potential to significantly contribute to both coconut production and export, enabling farmers to maximise their income. 

Speaking on the occasion of World Coconut Day, Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel noted that the foundation for coconut development in Gujarat was laid by then Chief Minister and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As a result, the area under coconut cultivation and production in Gujarat has been steadily increasing. In the past decade, the area under coconut cultivation has expanded by 4,900 hectares, rising from 21,633 hectares in 2013-14 to 26,561 hectares in 2023-24. Currently, Gujarat’s annual production of green coconuts (tender coconuts) exceeds 23.60 crore units.

Immense Potential for Coconut Production in Gujarat

The Agriculture Minister further stated that Gujarat, with the longest coastline in the country, offers the greatest opportunities for coconut production. Currently, 45.61 lakh hectares of land in Gujarat’s coastal districts are cultivable. Given this, the area under coconut cultivation in these districts could potentially increase from the current 26,000 hectares to 70,000–80,000 hectares. Presently, coconut production in Gujarat is primarily concentrated in the districts of Gir-Somnath, Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Valsad, Kutch, Navsari, and Devbhumi Dwarka. To boost coconut production in other coastal districts, the government is providing substantial encouragement and support.

Financial Assistance to Boost Coconut Production

Last year, the Gujarat government launched the “Gujarat Coconut Development Program” to promote the integrated development of coconut farming, production, and related industries. For the current year, the state government has allocated a substantial amount of ₹438 lakh for this program. Under this program, farmers are assisted up to 75% of the expenditure incurred for coconut cultivation, with a maximum limit of ₹37,500 per hectare.

Additionally, farmers receive assistance of up to 50% of the costs, with a maximum limit of ₹5,000 per hectare, for integrated nutrient management and pest control in coconut farming. This financial aid is directly transferred to the farmers’ bank accounts, with a limit of 4 hectares per farmer or account. Furthermore, under the state plan scheme, farmers are also provided with up to 90% of the expenses for coconut planting materials, with a maximum limit of ₹13,000 per hectare. This laudable initiative by the state government is expected to significantly boost coconut production in Gujarat.

 Summer Sees Highest Demand for Coconut

In Gujarat, 20% of the total coconuts produced are harvested as tender coconuts, while 42% are harvested as mature coconuts. Additionally, 5% are kept by farmers for personal use or as seeds. About 33% of Gujarat’s coconuts are exported to states such as Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh. While coconuts are available throughout the year, demand peaks during the summer, particularly from March to June.

Significant Income Generated from Coconuts

In Indian culture, the coconut, revered as “Shrifal,” is considered a sacred tree and often referred to as the “Kalpavriksha.” Due to its numerous health benefits, efforts are underway to enhance its value. Many farmers and agricultural units in the state are generating substantial income by producing and selling a variety of value-added coconut products, including coconut oil, virgin coconut oil, coconut milk, tetra pack or bottled coconut water, coconut cookies, coconut barfi, vinegar, coconut flakes, chips, oil cake, and neera. By diversifying into these products, they are significantly boosting their earnings.