KOCHI: Coconut price is Rs 75 per kg. Coconut oil price has also crossed Rs 275 per kg. The Tamil Nadu lobby is also strongly involved in the continued high prices of coconut and coconut oil in Kerala. Although farmers are getting money, there is no benefit due to low production. Coconut yield in Tamil Nadu has decreased due to drought. With this, the Tamil Nadu lobby has tightened its grip on Kerala. NAFED and the Agri Marketing Board are procuring coconut and copra at high prices in Tamil Nadu. Therefore, private lobbies there are procuring coconut from Kerala at prices they can afford. Agents in Kangayam and Pollachi are mainly involved. More coconuts are being delivered to Kangayam, the main hub of the copra business.

Farmers satisfied

Farmers in Kerala are satisfied as they are getting more than what the government procurement system provides. Farmers' federations think that they should not take risks. They will sell it for Rs 55-65 per kg.

Copra comes back

Coconut production has decreased in Kerala also. This is due to climate change and diseases in coconuts. The government's agricultural incentives have also decreased. Therefore, large mills have to depend on Tamil Nadu copra. What was taken from Kerala will return at a higher price. Coconut oil from Tamil Nadu is also reaching the market. Lobbyists hoard copra and cause price hikes.

No NAFED procurement

NAFED will intervene in situations where the support price falls and the price rises. Copra will not be procured this year.

There is a cyclical trend in coconut production and prices. The current situation may take two years to change.

V.C. Simon,

State Head, NAFED.

Agencies in Kangayam will buy coconuts in bulk regardless of size. Farmers are satisfied.

Trivikraman Namboothiri,

West Kurumbranad Coconut Farmers Federation, Kozhikode.

The price is good, but the yield is low. Those who used to sell 2000 coconuts are not getting even 500.

P. Sudevan, Muthalamada Federation, Palakkad.

Support price

Coconut (kg): Rs. 34

Copra: Rs. 112