The Hindu : New Delhi News : Rs.2,275-crore scheme for coconut crop

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Rs.2,275-crore scheme for coconut crop

Special Correspondent

Union Minister for Agriculture Sharad Pawar says government will provide a subsidy of Rs.478 crore.

NEW DELHI: Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, on Friday, announced a Rs.2,275-crore scheme for replanting and rejuvenation of the coconut crop in Kerala and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

He was speaking at a function of the Coconut Development Board here.

Mr. Pawar said the government would provide a subsidy of Rs.478 crore for the programme, which aimed at the total removal of senile and disease-affected palms.

Mr. Pawar distributed national awards instituted by the board in various categories such as the best farmer in traditional and non-traditional areas, best processors, best exporters and the best development worker.

Support price

Pointing out that the government had increased the minimum support price for milling copra from Rs.790 to Rs.4,450 per quintal, Mr. Pawar expressed hope that the State government would initiate vigorous market interventions to arrest the fall in its price.

Calling for raising remuneration in coconut cultivation, Mr. Pawar said this could be achieved through production of diversified high-value products for both the domestic and the international markets.

Role in global market

He underlined the need for India to be a player in the international market, which was currently dominated by Indonesia and the Philippines.

The function was attended among others by A.A. Jinnah and P.C. Chacko, MPs, and board chairperson Minnie Mathew.

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