Question : COCONUT PRICES

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)

(a)&(b): Yes, Sir. The price data given below show a fluctuating decline in month-end wholesale prices of coconut in important markets in Karnataka:

Rs per unit
Variety	Market in	Unit	Dates
of coconut	Karnataka	Jan/	Aprl/	Augst/	Dec/	Aprl/	Augst/	2006	2006	2006	2006	2007	2007
Rashi	Ariskere	1000	4000	4000	4500	4000	4000	4000	nuts
Sort- I	Manglore	1000	7500	7250	7150	7650	7100	6600	nuts
Sort-II	Mangalore	1000	5500	5250	5150	5650	5100	4600	nuts

Relative shortage in supply due to damage to coconut crops in 2004 and 2005 seasons on account of diseases has been followed by a good harvest in 2006 season. The resultant surge in market arrivals of coconut during the peak period (i.e. June- September 2007) in the current marketing season in Karnataka which has been reflected in fall in prices.

(c): The Government of India fixes Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for important crops including coconut / copra on the basis of recommendations of the Commission for agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and procures the crops through designated Government agencies. The MSP fixed for Milling and Ball copra for the year 2007-08 are Rs.3620.00 per quintal and Rs. 3870.00 per quintal respectively.

Karnataka produces mainly Ball copra. In view of the depressing price behavour in the market, National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation Ltd (NAFED) has intervened in the markets and procured 19 thousand MTs of Ball coprya up to April, 2007.