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Gujarat's Tender Coconut Output Rises 20% to 26 Crore in Two Years

Gujarat's tender coconut production has risen by nearly 20% over two years, reaching 26 crore annually. The cultivation spans 28,000 hectares across coastal districts like Gir Somnath and Junagadh. Farmer Dinesh Solanki's innovative pest control method using jaggery and cow milk has boosted his yield from 1,500 to 10,000 coconuts yearly. The state government plans to expand cultivation to 70,000 hectares and promote value-added products like virgin coconut oil.

Key Points: Gujarat Tender Coconut Output Up 20% to 26 Crore

  • 20% increase in tender coconut production over two years
  • Production reaches 26 crore annually across 28,000 hectares
  • Farmer Dinesh Solanki uses jaggery and cow milk mixture to control whitefly
  • Gujarat aims to expand coconut cultivation to 70,000 hectares
2 min read

Gujarat records 20 pc rise in tender coconut production in two years; annual output reaches 26 crore

Gujarat's tender coconut production hits 26 crore, a 20% rise in two years. Discover how farmers like Dinesh Solanki boost yields with innovative pest control.

"Solanki's coconut production increased from nearly 1,000-1,500 coconuts annually to around 8,000-10,000 coconuts after adopting the method. - Dinesh Solanki"

Gandhinagar, May 13

Gujarat has witnessed nearly a 20 per cent increase in tender coconut production over the past two years, with annual output reaching around 26 crore coconuts, reflecting the state's rapid growth in horticulture and value-added farming.

According to official data for 2024-25, coconut cultivation is currently spread across nearly 28,000 hectares in the state, with major contributions from Gir Somnath, Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Valsad, Navsari, Kutch and Devbhoomi Dwarka districts. The average productivity has reached around 9.26 thousand coconuts per hectare, a release said.

The Gujarat government said the state's vast coastline has created favourable conditions for coconut cultivation, benefiting farmers amid growing demand for tender coconuts in domestic and export markets.

The Horticulture Department of the Gujarat government has been conducting awareness campaigns and training programmes to encourage farmers to adopt horticultural crops and value-added farming practices. The department also provides subsidies of up to 75 per cent for coconut plantation to reduce the financial burden on farmers.

To improve crop productivity, farmers are being encouraged to adopt techniques such as mulching, integrated pest management and drip irrigation. Quality seedlings of tall, dwarf and hybrid coconut varieties are also being supplied through government-run nurseries, while Gujarat Green Revolution Company Limited is assisting farmers with drip irrigation systems.

Meanwhile, the coastal belt from Chorwad to Una, popularly known as "Leeli Nagher", had been facing severe rugose whitefly infestations over the past two years. However, farmers, with support from the state government, have started adopting innovative methods to tackle the issue.

Dinesh Solanki, a young farmer from Sutrapada in Gir Somnath district, developed a locally inspired technique using a mixture of jaggery and Gir cow's milk diluted in 1,000 litres of water to control the infestation.

According to officials, Solanki's coconut production increased from nearly 1,000-1,500 coconuts annually to around 8,000-10,000 coconuts after adopting the method. His annual income has now reportedly risen to Rs 12-15 lakh, inspiring several other farmers in the region to follow the practice.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Gujarat government is aiming to expand coconut cultivation in the state to 70,000 hectares in the coming years.

The state is also focusing on value addition through products such as virgin coconut oil and coconut powder, with efforts underway to promote exports and develop Gujarat into a global hub for coconut-based industries.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
75% subsidy on coconut plantation is very good initiative. But government should also ensure better MSP for coconuts. Farmers in coastal areas are doing well but inland farmers also need support. Dinesh Solanki's jaggery-cow milk technique is brilliant desi innovation! 🥥
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Suresh O
The 'Leeli Nagher' belt producing quality coconuts is well known. Good that government is tackling rugose whitefly issue with innovative solutions. But target of 70,000 hectares seems ambitious - let's see if infrastructure for processing and export keeps pace.
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Priya S
As someone from Junagadh, I can confirm coconut farming is transforming rural livelihoods. My uncle shifted from groundnut to coconut and his income doubled! The drip irrigation subsidy from Gujarat Green Revolution Company is a game changer. Value addition products will create local jobs too. 👏
A
Aman W
Good progress but why restrict to just Gujarat? Other coastal states like Maharashtra, Kerala and Odisha have similar potential. Need national policy on coconut value chain. Also, hope the 75% subsidy reaches small farmers without corruption.
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Sarah B
Interesting to see coconut farming expanding beyond traditional regions in India. The technology transfer and local solutions like using jaggery-milk mixture are impressive. However, is there any environmental impact study for expanding to 70,000 hectares? Sustainable farming should be priority.
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