Gujarat has established itself as one of the leading coconut-producing states in India, with over 26 crore coconuts harvested this year. The state government’s consistent encouragement of coconut cultivation, coupled with financial support and pesticide subsidies, has resulted in remarkable growth, particularly in coastal districts such as Gir Somnath, Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Valsad, Kutch, Navsari and Dwarka.
Farmers have credited the government’s policies for this growth. Mr. Dilip Borse, a farmer from Somnath district, explained that the assistance of Rs 13,000 per hectare and an additional Rs 5,000 per hectare for pesticides has significantly reduced cultivation challenges. He added that farmers are now more confident in pursuing coconut farming, which is helping them achieve higher yields and stable incomes.
Diversification into coconut by-products
The government is not only promoting cultivation but also encouraging farmers to diversify into value-added products. Deputy Horticulture Officer of Junagadh, Mr. Manoj Agarwal, highlighted that farmers are producing coco peat, coconut halwa, and other items in addition to coconut water. This diversification has opened new avenues of trade, enhanced incomes and strengthened the rural economy of Gujarat.
State-backed programmes boosting cultivation
Under the Gujarat Coconut Development Programme, the state sanctioned Rs 5.5 crore for the financial year 2024-25. Farmers receive phased financial assistance of up to Rs 42,500 per hectare, supporting them throughout the cultivation cycle.
Government estimates indicate that the area under coconut cultivation in Gujarat will rise from 22,451 hectares in 2014-15 to 28,197 hectares in 2024-25. This sustained increase reflects the effectiveness of state interventions and the growing interest of farmers in coconut farming.
Expanding markets for Gujarat’s coconuts
Currently, around 40 per cent of Gujarat’s coconut production is supplied to states such as Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. With rising demand for coconut and its by-products, Gujarat’s farmers are well-positioned to access national markets,
