Angamaly, Kerala: The Coconut Development Board (CDB) celebrated World Coconut Day at the Adlux Convention Centre, Angamaly, with the launch of revised development schemes and the presentation of the Export Excellence Awards. The event witnessed the presence of key stakeholders, farmers, exporters, and officials from the coconut industry across India.
Focus on Coconut Sector Revival and Product Diversification
Delivering the keynote address, Mr M.K. Raghavan, MP and CDB Board Member, underlined the need for processing and product diversification in the coconut sector. He noted that while Kerala was once a leader in coconut cultivation and productivity, it now trails behind, and urged coconut farmers in Kerala to work towards regaining lost ground.
“Farmers must take full advantage of the enhanced schemes and financial support being offered by the Board. Kerala has to reclaim its leadership in coconut production,” said Raghavan.
Revised Schemes: Higher Subsidies Announced
In his opening remarks, Dr. Prabhat Kumar, CEO, Coconut Development Board, announced significant enhancements in subsidies-
- Area Expansion Programme subsidy increased from ₹6,500/ha to ₹56,000/ha
- Seedling Production subsidy raised from ₹8 to ₹45 per seedling
He emphasized the need for sustainable coconut farming and called for integrated efforts across production, processing, marketing, and exports to ensure long-term sectoral growth.
CDB Chairman, Mr Suba Nagarajan, added that the Board has been granted an increased budget to support integrated development, focusing on climate resilience, value addition, and skill development for farmers and workers.
Export Excellence Awards Recognize Top Performers
As part of the celebration, the CDB presented the Export Excellence Awards, recognizing exceptional performance in various categories–
Best Coconut Shell-Based Product Exporter
- Gold: United Carbon Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Tirupur, Tamil Nadu
- Silver: Nova Carbons India Pvt. Ltd., Tirunelveli
- Bronze: Jacobi Carbons India Pvt. Ltd., Coimbatore
Best Coconut Kernel-Based Product Exporter
- Gold: Marico Ltd., Mumbai
- Silver: Mezhukkattil Mills, Aluva, Kerala
- Bronze: Fair Exports India Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai
Best Coconut Water-Based Product Exporter
- Gold: Sakthi Coco Products, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu
Special Awards
- Best Women Exporter: Carbure Activated Carbon Pvt. Ltd., Coimbatore
- Best Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) Exporter: Global Coconut Farmers Producer Company Ltd., Tirupur
Publications Released
On the occasion, several publications by the Coconut Development Board were launched–
- Improved Coconut Cultivation Technologies – Released by Shri M.K. Raghavan
- CDB Schemes Booklet (English) – Released by Dr. Prabhat Kumar
- CDB Schemes Booklet (Hindi) – Released by Shri Suba Nagarajan
- Guidelines on Revised CDB Schemes – Released by Dr. B Hanumanthe Gowda, CCDO
