Guwahati: Coconut has long been an integral component of the culture and food in Assam. It is largely consumed during festivals such as Bihu and religious rituals. However, Assam's average yield is lesser than the national average, where the average number of nuts obtained per bearing plant is 52 against the national average of 59. Inadequate infrastructure, lack of awareness, and poor management have restricted large-scale commercial cultivation of coconut.
Now, with the growing demand for value-added coconut products, the Coconut Development Board (CDB), Kochi, is actively promoting sustainable coconut farming and industry growth in Assam. CDB, a statutory body under the Government of India, has launched several schemes to enhance productivity, support value-added processing and contribute to farmers from different states, including Assam. Amongst them is a Special Laying Out of Demonstration Plot Scheme, which it has initiated within Assam to cover 1,000 hectares with a sanctioned budget of Rs 175 lakh. Under this scheme, financial assistance of Rs 35,000 per hectare is provided to encourage integrated management practices for disease-affected coconut trees.
In an exclusive conversation with Business North East (BNE), Mridula K, Development Officer, CDB Kochi, shared insights into the coconut industry’s potential in Assam and the support CDB offers to farmers and entrepreneurs.
When asked about the key coconut-based products Assam should focus on for export, Mridula K emphasised that the state has significant potential in multiple sectors. She said desiccated coconut is a viable option due to minimal production involvement. Moreover, if sufficient water resources are ensured, Assam could explore products like nata de coco, coconut vinegar, and coconut milk, which require higher investment. Virgin coconut oil remains a lucrative option with strong global demand.
CDB has been actively working to help farmers improve productivity while maintaining environmental sustainability. "A scheme for laying out demonstration plots has been introduced through which farmers learn productivity enhancement techniques," she explained. Moreover, the promotion of organic farming and the establishment of organic units have been encouraged. However, she pointed out that productivity improvement largely depends on farmers’ willingness to adopt these practices, as coconut is a water-loving plant and requires proper irrigation.
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Regarding Assam’s potential to supply raw coconuts to Kerala’s value-added product industry, she stated that surplus production is yet to be available in the region. Currently, most coconuts consumed in Assam are being sourced from southern states. However, if efforts toward area expansion and increased production are undertaken, the possibility of Assam contributing to the national supply chain in the future cannot be ruled out.
The demand for coconut-based products is increasing globally, and there is an increasing call for small-scale farmers to tap international markets. If fresh coconuts could be guaranteed regularly, there would be much demand for products such as virgin coconut oil, coconut milk, and coconut oil, particularly in the Middle East. Assistance from CDB will be provided to those who show interest in tapping into these global markets.
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CDB has also been working to educate farmers about opportunities in the sector."Multiple awareness programs have already been conducted by our regional office in Guwahati. This is the export promotion initiative; it's the starting point. Many more are coming as long as programs to support the farmer will keep rolling in," she expressed.
Coconuts are versatile. They are used in food and cosmetics, bio-products and even religious rituals, making them an important agricultural product. The Assam coconut industry is still developing. However, CDB's initiatives and an increase in participation from farmers can be an opportunity for the coconut economy in the region. With the growing demand for value-added coconut products in the global market, Assam has every prospect of emerging as a significant player in the sector, given that the right investments and policy support are available.
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