Keralam CM seeks Centre's backing for coconut value-addition park
Keralam CM V.D. Satheesan seeks Union support for a Coconut Value-Addition Park; Agriculture Minister proposes ₹500 crore rejuvenation plan.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Wednesday urged the Union government and the Coconut Development Board to back the establishment of a Coconut Value-Addition Park in Keralam. Speaking at the World Coconut Day celebrations organised by the board, he said such a facility would help modernise the sector and raise farmer incomes.
Mr. Satheesan stressed the need to move away from traditional methods towards scientific, planned plantation models. He highlighted that boosting productivity through better farm management and effective disease control was essential for the sector's growth.
Agriculture Minister T. Siddique, who presided over the event, said the government plans to roll out a 'Coconut Rejuvenation Plan' with central support. He announced that the Agriculture Department would submit a ₹500 crore project to the Coconut Development Board, covering everything from planting material production to marketing.
In the first phase, the board is expected to contribute ₹500 crore while the State government will pitch in ₹41 crore, the Minister added.