Context:
The Union Budget 2026–27 announced a Coconut Promotion Scheme aimed at rejuvenating old coconut gardens and expanding plantations. However, experts argue that the scheme must prioritize climate resilience and disease resistance rather than merely increasing productivity, as climate change increasingly threatens coconut-growing regions in India.
Key Highlights:
Government Initiative
- The Coconut Promotion Scheme aims to:
- Rejuvenate aging coconut plantations.
- Establish new plantations in suitable areas.
- Implemented with support from institutions such as the Coconut Development Board (CDB).
India’s Position in Coconut Production
- India is the largest producer and consumer of coconuts globally.
- Domestic prices remain higher than international prices, despite high production levels.
Climate Change Concerns
- Rising temperatures are projected to significantly affect coconut cultivation by 2050 and 2070.
- Traditional growing regions such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu face increasing vulnerability due to climate stress and diseases.
Disease Threats
- Root wilt disease has significantly affected coconut plantations, particularly in Kerala.
- Research indicates declining suitability of coconut cultivation in parts of:
- Karnataka
- Tamil Nadu
- Andhra Pradesh.
Focus Areas for the Scheme
- Development and mass multiplication of climate-resilient and wilt-resistant coconut varieties.
- Expansion of cultivation to non-traditional regions to offset losses in traditional areas.
Policy Implementation Suggestions
- Instead of distributing agricultural inputs, governments could adopt Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT).
- Farmers can use funds for irrigation improvements, soil health management, and farm inputs.
Challenges in Earlier Schemes
- The Cluster Development Programme under the National Horticulture Board (NHB) faced:
- High investment barriers
- Complex compliance requirements.
Suggested Approach
- Launch pilot projects in major coconut belts such as Tiptur, Anaimalai, and Pollachi.
- Partner with FMCG companies for marketing and value-chain development.
Significance
- Supports climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable livelihoods.
- Ensures long-term viability of coconut farming under climate change.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Coconut Development Board (CDB)
- Statutory body under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
- Headquarters: Kochi, Kerala.
- Responsible for development of coconut cultivation and value addition.
- Climate Resilience in Agriculture
- Ability of crops to withstand climate stresses such as drought, heat, and disease.
- Root Wilt Disease
- Major disease affecting coconut palms.
- Caused by phytoplasma infection, leading to reduced yield.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- Mechanism for transferring subsidies directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
- Reduces leakages and administrative inefficiencies.
- National Horticulture Board (NHB)
- Autonomous organization promoting integrated development of horticulture.
Relevant Mains Points:
Challenges in Coconut Cultivation
- Climate change impacts
- Rising temperatures
- Erratic rainfall patterns.
- Disease outbreaks
- Root wilt disease reducing productivity.
- Fragmented landholdings
- Small farmers face difficulty in adopting new technologies.
Need for Sustainable Cultivation
- Focus on climate-resilient varieties and disease-resistant crops.
- Integrate modern irrigation, soil management, and agroforestry practices.
Role of Government Policy
- Promote research and development in crop genetics.
- Encourage farmer-centric support mechanisms like DBT.
- Strengthen value chains and market access.
Way Forward
- Invest in agricultural research for climate-resilient coconut varieties.
- Strengthen extension services through agricultural universities.
- Expand cultivation to suitable non-traditional regions.
- Promote value addition and export-oriented coconut products.
UPSC Relevance:
- Prelims: Coconut Development Board, DBT, root wilt disease, horticulture schemes.
- Mains: Climate change and agriculture, sustainable crop management, agricultural policy reforms.