Chennai, March 7 (NationPress) On Saturday, Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, conducted a comprehensive post-Budget consultation in Chennai with coconut farmers, scientists, agricultural specialists, and other stakeholders. The focus was to devise strategies that would bolster India’s coconut sector and enhance the financial well-being of farmers.

The discussions revolved around the hurdles coconut growers face, and ways to elevate productivity, foster value addition, and create more opportunities for those involved in coconut cultivation.

In his address, Chouhan expressed his admiration for Tamil Nadu, stating that his visits to the state always inspire him with “joy and enthusiasm.” He acknowledged the state’s rich cultural legacy and the numerous influential individuals who have played a role in the nation’s advancement.

Stressing the significance of the coconut sector, the Minister noted that Tamil Nadu is among the principal coconut-producing states in India.

Nationwide, approximately 1.25 crore farmers are directly engaged in coconut farming, while around 3 crore people rely on sectors connected to coconut cultivation for their livelihoods.

However, Chouhan observed that coconut farmers are grappling with various challenges hindering productivity and long-term sustainability. He pointed out that many coconut farms in the country are nearly 60 years old, which is contributing to a gradual decline in yield.

Additionally, issues like pests and diseases, including root wilt and whitefly infestations, continue to threaten coconut production in many areas. To tackle these problems, Chouhan mentioned that the Union government is planning coordinated efforts involving farmers, scientists, and policy makers.

A significant emphasis will be placed on creating new, disease-resistant coconut varieties that can yield higher productivity and superior quality, thereby enhancing India’s standing in the global coconut export market.

Moreover, he highlighted the importance of the Coconut Promotion Scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which aims to assist coconut farmers by improving production techniques, expanding processing facilities, and promoting intercropping practices.

Chouhan encouraged farmers to consider intercropping alongside coconut cultivation, as this could substantially boost farm profitability by generating additional income streams.

The Minister further stated that the government plans to replace old and unproductive orchards with new plantations, establish high-quality nurseries, and enhance processing infrastructure to promote value-added coconut products.

He also mentioned that consultations with farmers and state governments are ongoing to finalize the framework for the proposed Coconut Promotion Board.

According to him, this initiative could be advantageous for a large number of growers, including nearly 28 percent of farmers in Tamil Nadu.

Chouhan also took a moment to celebrate India’s linguistic diversity, encouraging participants to engage in their native languages during such discussions, with translators ready to assist with communication if needed.