Ahmedabad: World Coconut Day is celebrated on September 2 across the globe. On this occasion, Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel said that due to the efforts made by the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, the area under coconut cultivation in the state has been consistently increasing. In the past decade alone, the cultivation area has expanded by 5,746 hectares. From 22,451 hectares in 2014–15, the area has grown to 28,197 hectares in 2024–25. At present, Gujarat produces more than 260.9 million units of tender coconuts annually.

Vast potential for coconut production in Gujarat
With the longest coastline in the country, Gujarat offers immense potential for coconut cultivation. Currently, 4.561 million hectares of land in coastal districts are cultivable. Considering this, the coconut cultivation area in these districts can expand from the present 28,000 hectares to between 70,000 and 80,000 hectares. At present, coconut farming is concentrated in Gir-Somnath, Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Valsad, Kutch, Navsari, and Devbhumi Dwarka districts. The state is encouraging expansion to other coastal districts as well.

Financial assistance to boost coconut production
To promote the integrated development of coconut farming, production, and related industries, the state government launched the Gujarat Coconut Development Programme. In the current year, the government has allocated ₹550 lakh for this initiative. Under the programme, farmers are provided financial assistance covering 75% of plantation costs, up to ₹37,500 per hectare.

Additionally, for integrated nutrition and pest management, farmers receive 50% assistance, capped at ₹5,000 per hectare. All subsidies are directly transferred to farmers’ bank accounts, with a maximum limit of 4 hectares per farmer or account. Under the State Plan scheme, financial support of up to 90% of costs (₹13,000 per hectare) is also provided for coconut planting materials. These initiatives are expected to further boost coconut production in Gujarat.

Highest demand during summer
Most of the coconuts produced in Gujarat are sold as tender coconuts. About 40% of the production is supplied to states like Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. Demand peaks during the summer months, from March to June. Around 5% of the coconuts are retained by farmers for personal use and as seed material.

Value addition brings higher income
In Indian tradition, the coconut is revered as Shrifal and regarded as a divine tree (Kalpavriksha). With its wide-ranging health benefits, efforts are being made to enhance its value addition. Many farmers and agro-units in the state are producing and selling products such as coconut oil, virgin coconut oil, coconut milk, packaged coconut water (tetra packs/bottles), coconut cookies, coconut barfi, vinegar, flakes, chips, oil cake, and neera, thereby generating substantial income.