Kerala will set up a Coconut Value-Addition Park with support from the Coconut Development Board to modernise the coconut sector, improve farmers’ incomes and promote export-oriented coconut products.
The park will focus on moving beyond cultivation towards processing, packaging, branding and marketing, helping companies develop quality coconut-based products that can compete in international markets.
Why Is the Coconut Park Important?
Kerala has traditionally been a major coconut-growing state but has lost ground in terms of coconut production and productivity. The proposed park aims to address this by promoting:
- Modern coconut processing and value addition
- Production of high-quality processed products
- Development of new coconut-based products
- Better market access, particularly in export markets
- Higher and more sustainable farmer incomes
India’s Position in Coconut Production
Coconut is often called the “Tree of Life” because of its importance to agriculture, rural livelihoods and the economy.
India is a major global coconut producer:
| Indicator | India’s Position |
| Global rank in coconut production | 1st |
| Global rank in cultivation area | 3rd |
| Share of global coconut production | 31.24% |
| Share of global cultivation area | 17.90% |
The Coconut Promotion Scheme under Union Budget 2026–27 is also aimed at improving sustainability, value addition and farmers’ incomes.
State-wise Coconut Scenario
- Kerala– largest area under coconut cultivation in India
- Tamil Nadu– highest coconut production
- Andhra Pradesh– highest productivity
- West Bengal and Tamil Nadu– next highest productivity after Andhra Pradesh
Climatic Conditions Required for Coconut
Coconut palms grow best in warm, humid and well-lit conditions, particularly in coastal regions.
| Factor | Suitable Condition |
| Rainfall | 1,000–3,000 mm annually, preferably well distributed |
| Temperature | Around 27°C, with a diurnal variation of 6–7°C |
| Light | Requires abundant sunlight |
| Altitude | Generally up to 600 m; can grow up to about 800 m where temperature remains favourable |
| Humidity | Warm and humid conditions |
| Soil | Coastal light sandy and sandy-loam soils; also grows well in laterite soils |
Cold spells are more limiting to coconut growth than high temperatures.