Question : COCONUT PRODUCTION

(a) the total production of coconut recorded in the country during the last three years; State-wise;

(b) whether the coconut production is sufficient for domestic use;

(c) whether the Union Government is aware that the coconut growers in the country are facing crisis due to market fluctuations;

(d) if so, the steps taken by the Government so far in this regard;

(e) whether the amounts declared for replantation of coconut have been disbursed;

(f) if so, the details thereof; and

(g) if not, the details of the States where such disbursement have not taken place?

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

(a) & (b): The total production of coconut in the country was 12,178.2 million nuts during 2003-04, 12,832.9 million nuts during 2004-05 and 14,811.1 million nuts during 2005-06. Production of coconut is sufficient for domestic use. State-wise data during the latest three years is given in Aannexure-I.

(c ) & (d): The market prices of coconut have been showing a downward trend from the third quarter of 2005 onwards. To ensure that the coconut growers get remunerative prices for their produce, the Government of India has been fixing the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for Milling and Ball Copra on annual basis and arranging their procurement through designated central agency, namely National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED). During 2007 season, the MSP fixed for Fair Average Quality (FAQ) Milling and Ball Copra have been Rs.3,620/- and Rs.3,870/- per quintal respectively, and NAFED has so far procured 21,733 MTs. of Milling Copra and 19,159 MTs of Ball Copra..

(e) to (g): The matters regarding disbursement of funds for replantation of coconut would follow with the approval of the Scheme for `Replanting and Rejuvenation of Coconut Gardens in Traditional States in India` by the Government.