MINDING THE FARM: Aid has been given to several farmers for establishing coconut nurseries and nucleus seed gardens. — Photo: Coconut Development Board

CHENNAI : Coconut is a versatile crop providing livelihood to more than 10 million farmers in the country. The four southern States — Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh — account for 90 per cent of the coconut production in the country.

More than 50 per cent of coconut plantations are found in Kerala. About 45 per cent of coir production in the country comes from Kerala and finished coir products such as bags and tablemats fetch more than Rs. 470 crore for the national exchequer through export.

One of the major constraints in coconut production is insufficient planting material, according to M. Thomas Mathew, chief coconut development officer, Coconut Development Board (CDB) of India, Cochin.

According to statistics available with the CDB, it is estimated that 10 million coconut seedlings are required every year to meet the demand on replanting and area expansion.

"Recognised agencies in the government sector are able to produce only 4.3 million quality seedlings every year. The rest of the demand is met by private the sector who unfortunately are not able to adhere to quality standards," Mr. Thomas said.

Accordingly, the CDB introduced schemes for extending technical and financial assistance to farmers for establishing coconut nurseries and nucleus seed gardens. One such scheme, `Coconut seed garden' (CSG), was established in 2002.

Under this scheme Rs. 6 lakhs assistance was extended to farmers in three instalments for raising coconut seedlings in 10 hectares.

"Though more than 200 farmers were given assistance for establishing such nurseries from all over the country in the last five years, only a few availed themselves of it because a minimum area of 10 hectares is required to establish such gardens," he said.

"The seed garden concept is already functioning in four districts of Karnataka, and in Tenkasi, Tirunelveli and Pollachi districts of Tamil Nadu. In Kerala the seed garden has been established at Dr. Chotara's farm in Kasaragod," he added.

"Those farmers who have got more than 5 acres are also eligible to apply." They have to send the application form along with a demand draft for Rs. 1000 addressed to the chief coconut development officer.

Board officials would visit the site and study the feasibility of setting up the seed garden.

The officials would also recommend the variety of seedlings that the farmer should buy depending on the location and climatic conditions.

"The redeeming feature of the seed garden is that all the seedlings are bought from known parentage maintained by the various government agencies, such as CPCRI and the CDB and the State Agricultural universities," he said. He said the board had fixed a price list for farmers who were keen to sell their seedlings. Accordingly, the dwarf and tall hybrid seedlings were priced at Rs. 25-35. The same variety seedlings were sold for Rs. 100-150 by private agencies he said.

More information could be had from M. Thomas Mathew, Chief Coconut Development Officer, Coconut Development Board, Kochi, Phone: 0484-2375999; tmmannil@redifmail.com

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