Labour shortage drives up coconut farming costs in Western Tamil Nadu
Coimbatore, June 23
Coconut farmers in Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts are facing mounting production costs as a severe shortage of labour has led to a sharp increase in wages for de-husking and harvesting coconuts.
The cost of de-husking coconuts has risen from ₹1 to ₹1.50 per nut over the past two months, marking a 50 per cent increase.
Farmers attribute the hike to an acute shortage of workers engaged in coconut-related farm activities. The labour crunch is believed to have worsened after many migrant workers who returned to their native places during the election period failed to return.
Farmers say a section of the workforce may have found alternative employment opportunities or settled elsewhere, reducing the availability of labour for agricultural operations.
The increase in de-husking charges has added to the financial burden on growers already coping with fluctuating market conditions and rising input costs.
Small and marginal farmers are particularly affected as they depend on hired labour for periodic farm operations and have limited bargaining power. Industry representatives warn that the higher labour costs are likely to translate into increased coconut prices in the market.
Traders who procure coconuts in bulk often have easier access to workers, while individual farmers and smaller growers are forced to pay higher rates to secure labour.
The labour shortage has also pushed up harvesting costs. Charges for climbing coconut trees and harvesting nuts have increased from around ₹2.25 to ₹3 per coconut in recent weeks. The number of skilled tree climbers has been steadily declining as older workers retire and younger generations show little interest in taking up the physically demanding occupation.
Experts note that mechanised solutions are available for certain farm operations, including coconut harvesting and de-husking. However, their adoption remains limited due to high investment costs and practical constraints, particularly for small-scale farmers.
Harvesting equipment is also less effective in plantations with very tall coconut trees.
The impact of the labour shortage is being felt beyond farms. Coconut husks are a key raw material for the coir and coir-pith industries, which depend on a steady supply from growers and traders.
Any disruption in the availability of husks or increase in processing costs could affect production in these sectors and impact rural livelihoods linked to coconut cultivation and allied industries.
With labour availability showing little sign of improvement, farmers fear that production costs may continue to rise in the coming months, further squeezing margins in one of Tamil Nadu's important agricultural sectors.
— IANS
Reader Comments
My uncle is a coconut farmer near Pollachi. He's saying the same thing. Labourers are charging ₹1.50 per nut now for de-husking, and if you want a tree climber, get ready to pay ₹3 per coconut – if you can find one! The younger generation just doesn't see this as a viable career. We need to respect these skilled workers more.
I think the real issue here is the migration patterns. Many workers went back to their villages during the elections and just never returned. They probably found work in construction or factories with better pay and less physical risk. The coconut industry needs to offer better wages and benefits to attract workers back.
The article mentions mechanization but says it's too expensive for small farmers. That's the crux of the problem. If the government can provide rental schemes or subsidies for coconut harvesting machines, many farmers would benefit. Otherwise, we'll all be paying ₹10 for a coconut soon. The coir industry will also suffer.
People forget how dangerous coconut tree climbing is. It's not just hard work – it's risky. A fall from 40 feet can be fatal. So we can't really blame young workers for choosing other options. Smart farming solutions like robotic harvesters should be subsidized, especially for the tall trees. Safety first.
It's a sad situation. My father used to say that in our village, there were always enough climbers and de-huskers. Now they've all moved to cities for better opportunities. The government should create a skill development program for agricultural labourers with good wages and
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.