Coconut may finally get its due in Kerala
With Kerala government’s decision to ban production and sale of Coke and Pepsi in the state, the humble tender coconut may finally get its due.
By Agencies |
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With Kerala government’s decision to ban production and sale of Coke and Pepsi in the state, the humble tender coconut may finally get its due.
Despite the healthy, nourishing tender coconut being available in plenty in the state, sales have been low. Now, with the controversy over the pesticide content in aerated soft drinks from Pepsi and Coca-Cola creating a furore again, the government is going to redouble efforts to market the fruit.
“We have already decided that this is the best time to vigorously promote tender coconut water. I am calling a meeting of officials of the Coconut Development Board. I also wish to bring in the local self-government ministry to promote tender coconuts,” said state agriculture minister Mullakkara Ratnakaran.
Coconut plantations occupy 41% of the net cropped area in the state and provide livelihood to over 3.5m families.
Over the years, the area under coconut cultivation has declined from 926,000 hectares in ’01 to 898,000 hectares in ’05.
“If we can sell tender coconuts as the state drink of Kerala, it could also be a boost for people who depend on it for their livelihood,” Mr Ratnakaran said.
Despite the healthy, nourishing tender coconut being available in plenty in the state, sales have been low. Now, with the controversy over the pesticide content in aerated soft drinks from Pepsi and Coca-Cola creating a furore again, the government is going to redouble efforts to market the fruit.
“We have already decided that this is the best time to vigorously promote tender coconut water. I am calling a meeting of officials of the Coconut Development Board. I also wish to bring in the local self-government ministry to promote tender coconuts,” said state agriculture minister Mullakkara Ratnakaran.
Coconut plantations occupy 41% of the net cropped area in the state and provide livelihood to over 3.5m families.
Over the years, the area under coconut cultivation has declined from 926,000 hectares in ’01 to 898,000 hectares in ’05.
“If we can sell tender coconuts as the state drink of Kerala, it could also be a boost for people who depend on it for their livelihood,” Mr Ratnakaran said.
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