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Key Points

Kerala farmers are receiving a significant boost with revised schemes worth Rs 30 crore announced on World Coconut Day. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan virtually inaugurated the program that includes major financial support increases. The enhancements address rising cultivation costs, fertilizer prices, and climate-related challenges facing coconut growers. These initiatives aim to rejuvenate Kerala's coconut sector through value addition and export opportunities.

Key Points: Kerala Farmers Get Rs 30 Crore Coconut Day Boost from Chouhan

  • Rs 30 crore revised schemes launched for Kerala coconut farmers
  • Financial support increased tenfold in some key welfare programs
  • Insurance coverage raised to Rs 7 lakh for sector workers
  • Focus on value-added products like virgin coconut oil and exports
  • Measures address rising fertilizer costs and climate-related losses
2 min read

World Coconut Day: Kerala farmers to benefit from Rs 30 crore boost

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announces revised welfare schemes worth Rs 30 crore for Kerala coconut farmers, including 10x support increases and enhanced insurance.

"Uncovering Coconuts' Power, Inspiring Global Action - International Coconut Community"

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 2

Kerala, the land synonymous with coconuts, is at the heart of India's World Coconut Day celebrations taking place on Tuesday.

Observed on the foundation day of the International Coconut Community (ICC), this year's theme is "Uncovering Coconuts' Power, Inspiring Global Action".

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will virtually inaugurate the programme, which will see the distribution of Export Excellence Awards, release of new publications by the Coconut Development Board (CDB), and a technical session on processing, value addition, and exports.

A major highlight this year is the rollout of revised farmer welfare schemes worth more than Rs 30 crore in Kerala alone.

Of the 23,000 hectares of coconut cultivation nationwide that will benefit, nearly 10,000 hectares are in Kerala.

The revisions were introduced in response to rising cultivation costs, soaring fertiliser prices, pest infestations, and climate-related crop losses.

In some schemes, financial support has increased tenfold, offering significant relief to farmers.

The Kera Suraksha Insurance Scheme has also been strengthened.

Coconut sector workers will now receive insurance coverage up to Rs 7 lakh, with an annual premium of just Rs 143 per beneficiary, a measure expected to provide crucial social security to thousands of labourers.

More than 1,500 farmers from 150 clusters are expected to attend the event, along with entrepreneurs, exporters, and policymakers.

By focusing on productivity enhancement, value-added products such as virgin coconut oil, and expanded export opportunities, the revised schemes are designed to rejuvenate the sector and ensure better returns for growers.

For Kerala, where coconut is not just a crop but a cultural emblem, these initiatives represent both recognition of its heritage and a renewed commitment to its farmers' future.

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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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone from a coconut farming family in Thrissur, this insurance scheme is a blessing! Rs 7 lakh coverage for just Rs 143 premium? This will give so much security to our workers who risk their lives climbing those tall trees 🌴
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Michael C
Interesting to see Karnataka has overtaken Kerala in production. Maybe healthy competition will push both states to innovate more in value-added products like virgin coconut oil which has huge export potential.
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Sneha F
While the schemes sound good, implementation is key. Last time many farmers didn't receive the benefits due to bureaucratic hurdles. Hope this time the process is simplified and transparent!
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Aditya G
Coconut is indeed our cultural emblem! From our traditional dishes to religious ceremonies, it's everywhere. Good to see the government recognizing its importance beyond just economics 🥥
K
Kavya N
The focus on value addition is crucial. We need more processing units in rural areas so farmers can get better prices instead of selling raw coconuts to middlemen. Virgin coconut oil, coconut milk powder - there's so much potential!

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