Question : COCONUT PRODUCTION

(a) whether it is true that Karnataka is one of the major coconut producing States in the country;

(b) if so, the details of the production of coconut in the country including Karnataka during the last three years and current year;

(c) whether the Government is aware that the coconut cultivation is severely affected in the recent years due to recurring drought and many diseases;

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the corrective steps taken by the Government;

(e) whether the State Government of Karnataka has submitted any proposal seeking financial assistance for rejuvenation of Ganoderma affected coconut plantation/ gardens;

(f) the time by which the assistance is likely to be released; and

(g) the other steps taken by the Government to promote the coconut production in the country?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI MOHANBHAI KUNDARIA)

(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. Karnataka is one of the major coconut producing States in the country. Details of coconut production in the country including Karnataka during the last three years and current year as given below:

 
 Sr. No	Year	Production (Million Nuts) 1	2011-12	23351.22 2	2012-13	24397.02 3	2013-14	23757.12 (Provisional) 4	2014-15	21924.39(First Advance Estimate) 
 
 (c), (d) & (g): The Government of India has been implementing various schemes / programmes and taken other measures for improving production and productivity of coconut in the country. The detail of ongoing schemes/ programme is Annexed. 
 
 (e) & (f): Yes, Madam. Government of Karnataka submitted a proposal for replanting and rejuvenation of ganoderma disease affected coconut gardens in Karnataka. Coconut Development Board has been implementing “Replanting and Rejuvenation of Coconut Gardens” scheme with objective to rejuvenate coconut plantations through cutting and removal of disease advanced palms, old/senile and unproductive palms. The Coconut Development Board has included the proposal in their Annual Action Plan 2015-16 for implementation.