COCONUT PROMOTION SCHEME

NEWS: Union Budget 2026-27 announced a Coconut Promotion Scheme to increase production and enhance sectoral productivity.

ABOUT

• It is a Central Sector initiative under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW).
• Nodal Agencyà Coconut Development Board (CDB), a statutory body based in Kochi, Kerala, will implement the scheme.

FEATURES

• Removal of old, senile, and diseased palms, replacing them with new, high-yielding, early-bearing, and climate-resilient saplings.
• Farmers will be connected toà Bharat-VISTAAR, a multilingual AI platform providing real-time advice on pests and nutrient management.

India’s Coconut Production

• Indiaà Largest producer, contributing about 30.37% of global coconut production, and ranks 2nd worldwide in coconut productivity.
• India accounts for about 2.16 million hectares out of 12.39 million hectares globally.
• The sector employs almost 30 million people, including 10 million farmers.
• Major States: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh produce over 90% of the total.