Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady

Beltangady, Apr 14: Despite strong market demand and rising prices, coconuts and tender coconuts have become scarce in the region. Coconuts, which are essential for daily use, temple rituals, and auspicious ceremonies, are now hard to procure.

Even though coconuts are priced between Rs 65 to Rs 70 per kg, supply to the market remains limited. Procuring coconuts for large events such as temple festivals and Brahmakalashotsavas has become a major challenge. Merchants say that even with money in hand, it is difficult to source coconuts in sufficient quantities.

Last year, coconuts were priced at Rs 30–35 per kg, but rates have steadily climbed and now hover around Rs 70 per kg. With the harvest season over, many farmers have either stored their produce or converted it into copra for oil extraction. Currently, most coconut trees show few fruits. The price of high-quality coconut oil has also surged, touching Rs 300 per litre.

Tender coconuts, known for their health benefits and ability to quench summer thirst, are also witnessing a supply crunch. The price of tender coconuts has increased from Rs 50 last month to Rs 60 now. Local supply is nearly exhausted, and the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada depend on deliveries from the Ghats region.

Although tender coconuts are brought in daily via goods vehicles, their number has drastically dropped over the past few days. As a result, retailers are unable to meet consumer demand, and piles of tender coconuts in front of shops are now a rare sight.

The surge in demand from the Ghats and other states, combined with increasing monkey and wild animal interference, has discouraged farmers from cultivating new coconut plantations. Existing coconut yields have also been hit by wild animals feeding on the produce. Moreover, last year's heavy rains damaged the coconut inflorescence, and viral diseases like elechukki have further affected the crop. The rising prices have also prompted farmers to hold back from selling their stock in the market.

“We have over 50 coconut trees, but due to severe monkey menace, we are now forced to buy coconuts from shops. Protecting our crops from wild animals has become a major challenge,” said a farmer.

“Our store usually sells around 500 tender coconuts a week. However, in recent days, there has been a significant drop in supply from the Ghats. Locally, tender coconuts are extremely rare, making it difficult to meet customer demand,” said a tender coconut vendor in Bangadi.