Old coconut farms are stunting productivity

Bengaluru: Post-pandemic demand for virgin oil, and heavy commercialisation of the tender variety, have been at the core of rising demand for coconuts. However, while the supply side has an easy fix the costs are a hurdle.Scientists and experts who drive research and policy around coconuts in India say most fields have a fair share of "old and senile palms" — typically those 60 years or older and are now producing very few coconuts or none. The problem could be solved if: One, diseases are treated and pests eradicated; two, a more preventive measure — improve the quality of coconut plantations."More than 30% of Karnataka's coconut palm cultivation is old and senile, which is a major factor for production decline. Besides, there are pests and diseases," said B Hanumanthe Gowda, chief coconut development officer, Coconut Development Board.But the difficulty in replacing palms with young, lively saplings — that would yield fruit in three years — is that uprooting is an expensive affair. Dr K Balachandra Hebbar, director, ICAR–Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Kasaragod, said, "On an average the cost of uprooting a tree and replacing it with a vibrant sapling would be around Rs 2,000 per tree. So, incentives must match that."Satyanarayan Udupa, a grower and district secretary of Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, echoed the concern: Chopping the tree, uprooting it, and replanting — including Rs 400 for a new plant, manure, and compost — will come up to at least Rs 1,500. "Govt stepping in to make it easier for us financially would help turn senile farms, which form 90% of plantations in coastal districts, into vibrant ones," Udupa said.Gowda said farmers would need to share the cost burden. "The state govt provides Rs 1,000 per tree for up to 32 trees a hectare, and neighbouring states offer slightly more under the replanting and rejuvenation programme," he said.Udupa pointed out that even when a fraction of roughly 150 trees per hectare is replaced with new saplings, they tend to get overshadowed by already tall palms, stunting their growth."If farmers plan on taking loans to meet additional expenses, only those with large farms will have the money to invest. A larger portion of small landholders find it financially unviable, prompting them to maintain status quo," he said.This lack of urgency contrasts sharply with the Union govt's push for higher productivity in the recently announced budget. Karnataka, which has the second-largest area under coconut cultivation, is the number one producer."The opportunities are immense," said Hebbar. "We have 24 varieties and hybrids that can drive yields up. Value addition from coconuts is currently at 8%. We need to target 22% by 2035. Farmers' incomes will go up significantly, and they are aware of it. Some have been seeking guidance over the past two years, considering rising demand. Replacing old and senile farms is a very important step."The other key issue is pest and disease control, added Kesavan Subaharan, principal scientist at ICAR–NBAIR, pointing to diseases such as root wilt, and insects such as red palm weevil.