KILIMANOOR: Historians say that the name “Kerala” comes from the word “KERA” meaning coconut tree. Time can do wonders and now, the same Kera land is grappling with the soaring price hike of coconuts. The current retail price of green coconut is Rs 60-65 per kg. Earlier this month, the price soared to Rs 74. The price has come down a bit but there is no hope it declining further. Interestingly, the price for one coconut was just Rs 27-32 in May.

The increase in the price of coconut also affected the price of coconut oil. This is due to the decline in copra production. Coconut oil is now Rs 200-220 per kg. Two months ago, it was Rs 170-190. Branded coconut oil costs more than Rs.220.

Most of the coconuts coming to Kerala are from Tamil Nadu, mostly from Pollachi. The surge in price was also reported in Pollachi which has now affected most of Kerala. As the central government increased the import tax on edible oils, the prices of palm oil and others increased. With this, it is estimated that the demand for coconut oil rose and thus the coconut price.

In Tamil Nadu

Marthandam, Nagercoil....................60 Rs

At Pollachi (Wholesale)................Rs.50-52