Gujarat Rises as a Leading Hub for Coconut Farming in India
Gujarat is quickly becoming one of India’s top coconut-producing states! This year alone, the state has produced over 26 crore coconuts, boosting local agriculture and farmers’ incomes.
The secret behind this growth? The Gujarat government’s strong support for coconut cultivation. They’re encouraging farmers to grow more coconuts by offering financial help and subsidies on pesticides. Thanks to these efforts, coconut trees are now thriving across coastal districts like Gir Somnath, Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Valsad, Kutch, Navsari, and Dwarka.
Farmer Dilip Borse from Somnath says the government’s continuous support has made a big difference. “We get Rs 13,000 per hectare for planting coconuts, plus an extra Rs 5,000 per hectare for pesticides. This support makes it easier for us to grow coconuts without worries. Farmers are very happy with these benefits,” he explains.
But it’s not just about growing coconuts. Gujarat farmers are also exploring new ways to earn from their produce. They are making products like coconut water, coco peat, coconut halwa, and more. This not only increases farmers’ earnings but also helps strengthen the rural economy.
The Gujarat government has allocated Rs 5.5 crore for the upcoming year (2024-25) under the Gujarat Coconut Development Programme. Farmers can get financial aid of up to Rs 42,500 per hectare in different phases, encouraging them to expand their coconut farms even further.
According to government estimates, the total area planted with coconuts in Gujarat is set to grow from around 22,500 hectares in 2014-15 to nearly 28,200 hectares by 2024-25. That’s a significant increase in coconut farms!
Currently, about 40% of Gujarat’s coconut production is exported to other states like Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. This helps boost trade and provides new opportunities for local farmers.
Overall, Gujarat’s focus on supporting coconut farmers is helping the state become a major player in India’s coconut industry. With continued efforts, the state’s coconut farms are set to grow even more, bringing prosperity to local communities.
