• India’s coconut sector, often called “Kalpavriksha”, is important for rural livelihoods, agricultural income and exports.
• India ranks first globally in coconut production, contributing about 31.24% of global output.

Government measures include:

• Coconut Promotion Scheme: Focuses on improving production and productivity under the broader ₹350 crore allocation for high-value agriculture.
• Quality planting material: Establishment and accreditation of coconut nurseries and support to public-sector nurseries.
• Expansion of cultivation: Financial assistance of ₹56,000/ha for planting in new areas.
• Productivity enhancement: The PICCS component promotes coconut-based cropping systems through cluster-based interventions.
• MSP support: Copra is covered under the MSP regime, with NAFED and NCCF as nodal procurement agencies.
• Export diversification: Promotion of value-added products such as virgin coconut oil, coconut milk and coconut water.

Conclusion:

Moving from production-centric growth to productivity, value addition, processing and export-oriented development can make the coconut sector a stronger contributor to farmers’ incomes and India’s agricultural economy.