CACP suggests mission mode approach for coconut replanting, rejuvenation programme to boost yield
The CACP has made a pitch for scaling up replanting and rejuvenation programme for coconut and implement it in a mission mode to improve the yields. It has also recommended that a comprehensive scheme like “Keragramam” started by Kerala should be prepared by all major coconut growing States for integrated development of coconut sector.
In its recent non-price policy recommendations for the 2024-25 season, the CACP observed that climate change-induced weather shocks along with other factors such as ageing and senile coconut trees, the poor genetic base of existing palms, lack of irrigation facilities, poor agronomic practices, the incidence of pests and diseases among others were resulting in low and fluctuating yields.
To address these issues, the Commission recommended that the “Replanting and Rejuvenation Programme” should be scaled up and implemented in a mission mode to improve yield. “Decentralised production and distribution of coconut seedlings and planting material including hybrids through effective participation of farmers and private entrepreneurs need to be promoted,” it said. The government should prioritise R&D efforts, focusing on developing pest and disease-resistant and climate-resilient varieties.
INM practices
Based on the CACP recommendations, the government recently increased the minimum support price by ₹420 to ₹11,582 per quintal for milling copra and by ₹100 to ₹12,100 for ball copra for the 2024-25 marketing season.
Further, CACP felt that there was a need to create awareness to promote the integrated nutrient management (INM) strategies among farmers as adoption of INM practices have been low in many coconut growing areas despite its efficacy in improving coconut productivity and soil health. In this regard CACP recommended that a comprehensive scheme like “Keragramam” started by Kerala government should be prepared by all major coconut growing States for integrated development of coconut sector. Kerala is the largest producer of milling copra, while Karnataka dominates the edible copra production.
Further, the Commission felt that the trade policy for edible oils need to be reviewed as imports of cheaper edible oils are seen having an adverse impact on the domestic prices of coconut oil. It has also recommended that imports of coconut products should be monitored and suitable steps should be taken to restrict cheap imports.
Among other measures, CACP also recommended that a comprehensive review of Coconut Palm Insurance Scheme (CPIS) should be carried out to address the issue of low coverage and acceptance of the scheme. CPIS has limited coverage and low acceptance among farmers due to various reasons. Efforts should be made to spread awareness about CPIS among coconut growers to expand its coverage, it said.