Coconut Development Board Launches Revised Schemes – Boost to Coconut Farmers

Coconut Development Board:The Coconut Development Board (CDB), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, has launched revised schemes to strengthen coconut farming and allied sectors in India. The move aims to enhance productivity, promote value addition, and increase farmers’ income through sustainable coconut-based industries.

Key Highlights of the Revised Schemes

1. Focus on Farmer Empowerment – Revised schemes are designed to provide financial assistance, training, and infrastructure support to coconut growers.
2. Processing and Value Addition – Greater emphasis is placed on processing units, product diversification, and exports, boosting India’s position in the global coconut market.
3. Support for Startups & MSMEs – The schemes encourage entrepreneurship in coconut-based industries, ensuring more employment opportunities in rural areas.
4. Sustainability and Climate Resilience – Special attention is given to eco-friendly practices, organic farming, and climate-resilient coconut cultivation.
5. Digital Outreach – Use of digital platforms and mobile-based advisory services for farmers to ensure faster dissemination of knowledge and best practices.

Significance

• India is the largest producer of coconuts in the world, contributing over 30% of global production.
• The revised schemes will play a critical role in aligning with the government’s vision of Doubling Farmers’ Income and supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• By boosting coconut value chains, India can also strengthen its export competitiveness.

Relevance for UPSC

• Important for Agriculture, Economy, and Government Schemes sections.
• Links with sustainable agriculture practices, farmer welfare, and rural development.
• Can be cited as an example in GS-III (Agriculture & Economy) answers.

Possible UPSC Questions

Prelims

1. Consider the following statements about the Coconut Development Board (CDB):
   1. It functions under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
   2. It is a statutory body established under an Act of Parliament.
   3. Its headquarters is located in Kochi, Kerala.
      Which of the above statements are correct?
   • (a) 1 and 2 only
   • (b) 2 and 3 only
   • (c) 1 and 3 only
   • (d) 1, 2 and 3

Mains

1. Discuss the role of the Coconut Development Board’s revised schemes in enhancing agricultural value addition and farmer income in India.
2. How can coconut-based industries contribute to India’s export growth and rural employment generation?