COCONUT OIL

NEWS: Coconut oil retail prices in India have touched ₹460 per kg, making it the costliest edible oil in the country. This is a concern for consumers and policymakers.

Usage in India:

• Total production = 7 lakh tonnes/year
• Only 3.9 lakh tonnes are used as edible oil.
• The rest is used in non-food industries

India’s Coconut Status:

• 3rd largest coconut producer in the world (as of 2023).
• In FY22, India produced 45% of global coconuts.
• Top Producing States:

1. Karnataka
2. Tamil Nadu
3. Kerala

Coconut Development Board (CDB):

• A statutory body under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• Promotes coconut farming and industry.
• Headquarters: Kochi, Kerala

RISING PRICES

• Global Supply Shortfall: Philippines and Indonesia (top producers) are facing drought due to El Niño, reducing global supply
• Diversion to Biodiesel: Philippines has started using coconut oil in fuel as Coconut Methyl Ester (CME)
• Export Limits & Old Trees: Indonesia may restrict raw coconut exports.