Stop import of coconut Oil: Kerala writes to Modi government

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government today requested the Centre to reconsider its decision to permit import of 2,000 tonnes of coconut oil.

In a letter to Prime Minster Narendra Modi, Kerala Agriculture Minister K P Mohanan said the new decision would 'destroy' the coconut sector, which is the backbone of the state's economy.

Coconut growers were already facing a crisis due to palmolein imports, he pointed out.

Mohanan requested the Prime Minister and other Union ministers concerned to intervene and reconsider the decision to import 2000 tonnes of coconut oil through State Trading Corporation and protect cocount farmers.