Gandhinagar: Gujarat’s vast coastline is conducive to coconut cultivation, directly benefiting farmers. With increasing demand for tender coconuts and the expansion of cultivation along the coastline, Gujarat has recorded record production in coconut cultivation.

Tender Coconut Production in Gujarat Increases by Nearly 20% in the Last Two Years

Over the past two years, tender coconut production has increased by around 20%. Farmers now produce nearly 26 crore coconuts annually, reflecting Gujarat’s steady progress in the horticulture sector. Coconut is cultivated across about 28,000 hectares, with key contributions from Gir Somnath, Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Valsad, Navsari, Kutch and Devbhoomi Dwarka. As per 2024–25 data, the state’s average productivity stands at about 9.26 thousand coconuts per hectare.

State Government Extends Up to 75% Subsidy for Coconut Cultivation

The Horticulture Department of the Government of Gujarat conducts training and awareness programmes to encourage farmers to adopt horticultural crops and value addition. It offers up to 75% subsidy on coconut plantation to ease the financial burden on farmers. To increase crop productivity, the department encourages farmers to adopt practices such as mulching and integrated pest management. Nurseries, run by the horticulture department, supply quality seedlings of tall, dwarf and hybrid coconut varieties. Gujarat Green Revolution Company Limited provides assistance for drip irrigation systems.

Young Gir Farmer Tackles Rugose Whitefly with Innovative Method, Boosts Coconut Production and Income

The coastal stretch from Chorwad to Una, known as ‘Leeli Nagher’, has faced serious whitefly infestations over the past two years. With guidance from the Government of Gujarat and the efforts of farmers, the situation is now improving. Dinesh Solanki, a young farmer from Sutrapada, found a simple solution. He prepared a mixture of jaggery and Gir cow’s milk in 1,000 litres of water and used it to control the infestation. Previously, his farm produced between 1,000 and 1,500 coconuts annually. After adopting this method, production increased to 8,000 to 10,000 coconuts annually. Today, his annual income has reached around ₹12-₹15 lakh, due to which other farmers have started following his approach.

Gujarat Aims to Expand Coconut Cultivation to 70,000 Hectares

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, the state government aims to expand the coconut cultivation area to 70,000 hectares in the future. The state government is promoting value addition of coconuts by processing them into virgin coconut oil and coconut powder. Efforts are underway to sell this produce in export markets. Together, these steps will help Gujarat grow into a global hub for coconut-based industries. DeshGujarat