Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Apr 14: Growers of coconut are under panic as the price is falling in the market. The situation is the same for the past one year.

Though the price of coconut sold by the growers is low, the rate of coconut oil and the coconut sold in the market have shot up. The coconut growers are asking the government to give support price for coconuts also.

Most of the coconut sellers in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi buy coconuts directly from the growers. At some places, the growers sell their produce to APMC. At present, a coconut with outer skin is being sold for Rs 9 to Rs 12 per piece. However, the price of coconut, the skin of which is removed is costing around Rs 25 to Rs 28. However, the final consumer price is Rs 28 to Rs 35. Middlemen are making good profits while the growers are at loss.

Getting the coconuts plucked has become a tedious work. There are very few people who climb coconut trees and the ones who are available charge Rs 30 to Rs 80 per tree depending on the area. At some places, the charges are based on the number of coconuts plucked. After adding transportation, the grower gets a very meagre amount of money for his effort.

Many families in twin districts depend on coconut farming for their livelihood. The reducing price in the market has caused concern among them.

Instead of coconut, those who sell tender coconut get a comparatively better price. One tender coconut is sold for Rs 15 to Rs 20 in the wholesale market. The price of the same is Rs 35 to 40 in the retail market. Coconut oil is sold at Rs 180 to Rs 200 per litre. But the grower does not get the benefit of the final market price.