Union Budget's Coconut Scheme Brings Hope to Gujarat's Struggling Farmers
The recent Union Budget announcement of a dedicated Coconut Promotion Scheme has sparked optimism among coconut farmers in Gujarat, who have faced significant agricultural challenges over the past decade. This initiative is designed to provide much-needed relief by focusing on enhancing production and productivity through strategic interventions.
Addressing a Decade of Decline in Coconut Cultivation
Gujarat, with its extensive coastline, has a rich tradition of coconut farming as a coastal crop. Key districts such as Valsad, Navsari, Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Porbandar, and Devbhumi Dwarka are central to this agricultural practice. Notably, Junagadh and Gir Somnath together account for the majority of the state's coconut orchards. However, despite favorable geographical conditions, both the area under cultivation and overall production have seen a sharp decline in recent years.
According to data from the Coconut Development Board, the area under coconut cultivation in Gujarat dropped to approximately 26,000 hectares in 2023–24, down from about 31,000 hectares in 2013–14. This reduction has been accompanied by a noticeable decrease in production, highlighting a troubling trend that has persisted over the past ten years.
Multiple Challenges Facing Coconut Farmers
Agro-scientists point to several interconnected factors contributing to this downturn:
- Spiral Whitefly Infestation: Over the last four to five years, this pest has severely impacted yields, leading to substantial losses for farmers.
- Climate Change Effects: Fluctuations in temperature and humidity in coastal regions have disrupted natural processes, resulting in a reduction of female flowers and poor pollination.
- Excessive Pesticide Use: Efforts to control the whitefly have inadvertently reduced honeybee populations, further exacerbating pollination issues.
- Natural Disasters: Cyclone Tauktae caused extensive damage to coconut orchards along the Gujarat coast, compounding the existing challenges.
D K Varu, Principal and Dean of the College of Horticulture at Junagadh Agricultural University (JAU), emphasized the severity of the situation. He stated, "Cyclone Tauktae wiped out many coconut orchards. There are multiple reasons for the decline in area and production. However, timely government intervention and budgetary provisions to enhance productivity will benefit coconut growers in Gujarat."
How the Coconut Promotion Scheme Aims to Help
The newly announced scheme focuses on boosting production and productivity by replacing old and unproductive coconut trees with new, high-yielding saplings. This approach is expected to address the core issues of productivity losses and encourage replanting efforts across the state.
Farmers are now hopeful that this initiative will:
- Revive coconut cultivation in Gujarat by mitigating the impacts of pests and climate change.
- Provide financial and technical support to facilitate the transition to more resilient and productive varieties.
- Stabilize and potentially increase the area under cultivation, reversing the decade-long decline.
As the scheme rolls out, it represents a critical step toward supporting the agricultural community and ensuring the sustainability of coconut farming in the region.
