Andhra Pradesh Seeks ₹200 Cr Aid to Boost Coconut Farmers' Income
Image Source: Internet
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has requested ₹200 crore in financial assistance from the central government to implement an Integrated Coconut Development and Market Strengthening Programme. The initiative aims to stabilize prices and increase farmers' incomes in the state, which is one of India's top coconut-producing regions. According to Naidu, Andhra Pradesh ranks fourth in coconut cultivation nationwide, with over 108,000 hectares under the crop and an output of 1.735 billion nuts. Despite this, coconut growers in the state face significant challenges, including low market prices, inadequate processing facilities, and climate-related losses. The proposed ₹200 crore programme seeks to address these issues by modernizing market access and value addition. Key initiatives include setting up modern tender coconut markets, establishing an integrated coconut processing park, and expanding nurseries to provide quality planting material. The plan also involves the use of AI-based advisories, drone-led monitoring, and strengthened pest and disease management, which could potentially lift farm-gate prices, reduce losses, and create jobs. Naidu has urged the Centre to support the programme under an existing scheme, citing alignment with national priorities such as doubling farmers' income and promoting rural employment. The initiative is seen as a crucial step towards positioning Andhra Pradesh as a national hub for tender coconut and value-added coconut products.
