India Share of 30% in Global Coconut Production, New Promotion Scheme Announced

·         Global leadership:

o    India contributes 30.37% of world coconut production

o    Cultivation area: ~2165.2 thousand hectares (out of 12,390 thousand ha globally)

·         Production & productivity:

o    Annual output: 21,373.62 million nuts

o    Productivity: ~9,871 nuts per hectare

·         Livelihood impact:

o    Supports ~30 million people

o    Includes ~10 million farmers

Coconut Promotion Scheme (Budget 2026–27)

·         Announced by: Government of India

·         Objective:

o    Increase production & productivity

o    Improve competitiveness in coconut sector

·         Key intervention:

o    Replacement of old and unproductive trees with improved varieties

·         Financial allocation:

o    Part of ₹350 crore package for:

§  Coconut

§  Cashew

§  Cocoa

·         Current status:

o    Scheme under formulation

o    State-wise fund allocation yet to be finalized

Significance

·         Enhances high-value agriculture

·         Boosts farmer income & rural livelihoods

·         Strengthens India’s position in global coconut market

 

[ABS News Service/18.03.2026]

India is the world’s largest producer of coconuts contributing to 30.37% of the Global coconut production. Globally, coconut cultivation covers nearly 12390 thousand hectares, of which India accounts for approximately 2165.20 thousand hectares. The country produces around 21373.62 million nuts annually. The average productivity stands at around 9871 nuts per hectare, reflecting the crop’s significant contribution to agricultural output of the country. About 30 million people including nearly 10 million farmers, depend on coconuts for their livelihood.

Coconut Promotion Scheme has been announced by the Government of India in Union Budget 2026-27 aimed to increase production and enhance productivity through various interventions including replacing old and non-productive trees with new saplings/plants/varieties to further enhance competitiveness in coconut production in major coconut growing States in the country. The initiative is part of a broader ₹350 crore allocation for high-value agriculture, which includes coconut, cashew, and cocoa. However, the State/UT-wise fund sanction and utilization under the scheme have not yet been finalized as the scheme is under formulation.

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Bhagirath Choudhary in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 17 March, 2026.