MP Demands Central Grant to Save Karnataka's Coconut Farms from Pest Menace
Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Kota Shrinivas Poojary has made an urgent appeal for financial intervention to rescue Karnataka's struggling coconut farmers. Speaking at a special awareness program in Koteshwara on Monday, the parliamentarian revealed that an expert team has identified a critical need for a substantial grant of Rs 791 crore. This funding aims to address severe pest problems that are currently devastating coconut crops across multiple districts.
Expert Report Highlights Financial Requirement
Poojary explained the background of this demand. Many farmers have suffered significant losses due to persistent pest attacks on their coconut plantations. In response to this crisis, authorities appointed a specialized team to study the issue thoroughly. Their comprehensive report now indicates that a grant of Rs 791 crore is essential for effective intervention. The MP confirmed that a formal proposal for this substantial amount has already been submitted to the Union Ministry of Agriculture.
"If the state government also focuses on the problems of coconut farmers, their hardships could be alleviated," Poojary emphasized during his address. He described coconut as vital to the people of coastal Karnataka, noting its usefulness in every possible way from root to fibre. The parliamentarian called this versatile crop a modern-day 'Kalpavriksha' or wish-fulfilling tree.
Special Program Organized in Udupi District
The Monday event marked an important development for Karnataka's agricultural community. Organized jointly by multiple agencies including the Coconut Development Board, Horticulture Department, Agriculture Department, and Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, this foundation day and awareness program represented a coordinated effort to address farmers' concerns. Notably, this program was originally scheduled to take place in Chhattisgarh but was instead organized in Karnataka's Udupi district through special efforts.
Poojary expressed optimism about the program's potential impact. The unique information initiative aims at the overall uplift of coconut farmers and is expected to revitalize the entire coconut industry. The MP suggested that Udupi district could become a national model for coconut cultivation with proper support and intervention.
Scale of Coconut Farming and Current Challenges
Coconut farming occupies an impressive agricultural footprint in Karnataka. Estimates indicate cultivation across approximately 6.5 lakh hectares throughout the state. Several districts demonstrate extensive coconut production including:
- Tumakuru
- Hassan
- Chitradurga
- Davangere
- Chikkamagaluru
- Dakshina Kannada
- Udupi
Despite this large-scale cultivation, coconut farmers face numerous challenges beyond pest problems. The Monday program sought to address these issues through expert discussions and dialogues designed to promote coconut cultivation and products nationwide.
Market Opportunities for Coconut Products
Poojary highlighted several promising market developments that could improve farmers' livelihoods. When products like coconut, tender coconut water, coconut-based fertilizers, oil, sugar, and roasted snacks find proper markets, farmers' economic situations improve significantly. The MP noted recent increased demand for coconut shells, with buyers sometimes purchasing them directly from farmers' homes.
Another significant opportunity lies in Neera production. This drink extracted from coconuts enjoys high demand in various markets. Poojary specifically urged the state government to identify coconut farmers and provide them with grants to support Neera production, creating additional revenue streams for agricultural families.
The awareness program in Koteshwara saw participation from several dignitaries including Karnataka Coastal Development Board chairman MA Gafoor. Their presence underscored the importance of addressing the coconut farming crisis through coordinated efforts between different government bodies and agricultural organizations.
