The Government to address the problems of coconut farmers.

Government of India will take necessary steps in addressing the problems faced by the coconut farmers in the country. This was stated by Prof. K. V. Thomas, Hon'ble MOS (A,CA,F&PD), Govt. of India while chairing a high level committee meeting to discuss the problems of coconut farmers in his office.
The main issues discussed in the meeting included the procurement of copra by the state agencies and NAFED at MSP, impact of central excise duty on packaged coconut oil in containers upto 200 ml. innovative technologies to develop new value added coconut based products, besides, the issue of enhancing productivity of coconut crop.
It was proposed to involve more agencies in the state of Kerala for procurement of copra at MSP. Chairperson, Coconut Development Board pointed out that the moisture contents in the copra procured at this time of season was more than the FAQ and it was not possible to bring it down as the monsoon had already set in coconut growing regions in India.
Similarly, some of the participants suggested alternative products for value addition to coconut farmers which included blending of oil, use of coconut oil in Vanaspati, sale of Neera etc. It was pointed out that the subsidy on copra drier had been reduced to 25% from 50% given earlier.
It was decided that the Ministry of Agriculture would initiate action on all the points discussed during the meeting and would take necessary action in order to help the coconut farmers.
The Meeting was chaired by Prof. K. V. Thomas, Hon'ble MOS (A,CA,F&PD), Govt. of India .