Question : Coconut Production

(a) whether India is the biggest coconut producer in the world, if so, the details of the coconut production in various States of the country during the last three years, State/UT-wise;

(b) whether the coconut production is declining in the country during the current year;

(c) if so, whether Coconut Development Board has conducted any survey in this regard, if so, the findings thereof;

(d) whether the Government is considering to transform and modernise the agriculture sector which includes coconut farming and cash crops like rubber, areca nut, spice, etc. in various States of the country including Kerala, if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the other steps taken by the Government to promote coconut production and to produce more value added products like ''neera'' from the coconut to promote its export and earn foreign exchange?

Answer given by the minister

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

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(a): Yes, Madam. As per the latest statistics, (2013), India ranks first in coconut production in the world. State-wise details of coconut production are at Annexure-I.

(b) & (c): Coconut Development Board undertakes statistical survey to estimate production and productivity of Coconut. However, current year details are not available.
Contd…2/-

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(d) & (e): Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) is being implemented in all states, including Kerala for holistic development of the horticulture sector, viz. coconut, spices etc. Details of schemes being implemented by Coconut Development Board, Directorate of Arecanut and Spices and Rubber Board are at Annexure-II to IV respectively.

Coconut Development Board (CDB) is encouraging development production and marketing of ‘Neera’ as a natural health drink. Neera Production is done on a commercial scale in Kerala only. CDB is providing financial assistance to an extent of 25% of capital cost as back ended credit linked subsidy for a maximum of Rs.50.00 lakhs per project for establishing neera processing plants under the scheme Technology Mission on Coconut (TMOC).

Government of Kerala has issued the Neera Rules, 2014 and neera production is being done through 17 Coconut Producer Companies (CPCs) affiliated with CDB, with a weekly production of 43025 liters in Kerala.




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