Karnataka has reached the first position with the production of 615 crore coconuts.

Kerala (now Keralam) is the state which was known for giving maximum coconut to the country. It is also called the coconut capital. It is said that in the name of Kerala, the word 'Kera' means coconut tree and 'Alam' means land. In this way, this state has been known as the stronghold of coconut, but recent figures show that this title has now been snatched from Kerala. The record of producing the highest coconut production is no longer in the name of this state. The figures of Coconut Development Board have confirmed this.

According to statistics, it is Karnataka, not Kerala, that is giving the maximum number of coconuts to the country. Karnataka ranks first in coconut production. In the year 2023-24, a record of production of 615 crore coconuts was made in Karnataka. Interestingly, Kerala, which is known as the coconut bastion, has slipped to the third position. Tamil Nadu is at second position with the production of 609 crore coconuts.

How did Karnataka become the coconut bastion? 5 reasons

• Weekend Agriculture: The increasing trend of weekend agriculture in Karnataka is also a reason for increasing production. In urban areas, professionals are cultivating coconut and other things during weekends. Especially in Tumkuru, Hassan and Mandya districts. This trend is increasing the production of coconut.
• Season: Coconut tree needs warm and humid climate for better yield. Cities in the coastal region of Karnataka like Mangaluru, Udupi receive adequate moisture and rain. Karnataka receives good rainfall from the south-west monsoon. These things are considered ideal for coconut cultivation.
• Soil: The red loam and coastal soil here has better drainage. Such soil is considered a boon for coconut production. Coconut is cultivated on lakhs of hectares of land in Karnataka. Especially in the southern districts, a large number of farmers are dependent on its cultivation.
• Scientist increased the yield: Farmers are no longer dependent on traditional farming. The Coconut Development Board and the state government are providing farmers with better seeds, training, irrigation techniques and subsidies. This is increasing the production, quality and income of farmers.
• Effect of pest management also: In Karnataka, the focus on integrated pest management along with other techniques including planting at appropriate distances has increased the yield and brought Karnataka to the first position in the category of highest coconut producing state.

Demand from Malaysia to Vietnam

India being the birthplace of coconut, it also supplies it to many countries. Vietnam is the largest buyer of Indian coconut in the world. After this there is United Arab Emirates and Bangladesh. Indian coconut is in demand from America, Malaysia, Germany, Netherlands to Middle East.

India alone produces more than 30 percent of the coconut produced worldwide. Every year 2137 crore coconuts are produced in India and more than 1 crore farmers of the country cultivate coconut.

Ankit Gupta

Born in Lucknow, the city of Nawabs. Graduated from DAV College and MBA from Punjab Technical University. The desire to write and the passion to know the story beyond the news brought me into journalism. Started his career in 2008 with Lucknow's first Hindi tabloid 'Lucknow Lead'. Tried my hand in the features section. Then he joined Dainik Jagran's iNext from Gorakhpur, the city of Baba Gorakhnath. Joined the Jaipur head office of Rajasthan Patrika in 2013 for reporting on city news and health magazine. After spending about 5 years here, I reached Dainik Bhaskar's Bhopal head office in 2018 for a new beginning in the digital world. Got hold of research, explainer, data story and infographic. The most complex news of health and science explained in simple words. Said goodbye to Dainik Bhaskar in 2021 and joined the digital wing of TV9 Group. Currently working in TV9, I am heading the 'Knowledge' section as an Assistant News Editor. There is focus and interest on explainer, data and research stories.

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