Karnataka - Mangalore   

CPCRI develops new technology to extract virgin coconut oil

New method:Farmers undergoing training in extracting virgin coconut oil at the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod.

MANGALORE: Scientists at the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Kasaragod, have developed an indigenous technology to extract virgin coconut oil from fresh coconut kernels, according to its Director George V. Thomas.

Conventionally, coconut oil is extracted from copra. Oil extracted from fresh coconut kernels is called virgin coconut oil. If this latest technology is used, broken coconut need not be dried to make copra,

Dr. Thomas told The Hindu. The technology is ready for commercial transfer and the CPCRI had recently trained a group of persons from Hassan on its use.

The CPCRI functions under the Indian Council for Agricultural Research. One of its three regional stations is at Vitla in Dakshina Kannada.

High-value product

Dr. Thomas said virgin coconut oil is a high value product and has export potential. He said using the CPCRI technology, virgin coconut oil can be extracted in three methods – fermentation method, hot and cold process methods. “Virgin coconut oil has medicinal and antioxidant properties,'' he said. Dr. Thomas said those who want to use the technology can approach the CPCRI.

A similar technology developed by a group of Australian scientists costs about Rs. 25 lakh.

Meanwhile, the website of Coconut Development Board, Kochi, said the Board and Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore, have also developed a technology to produce virgin coconut oil and dietary fibre. To a question, Dr. Thomas said the CPCRI's technology developed has nothing to do with the one developed by CFTRI.

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