- Why in news
- On 18 August 2026, PIB published a feature on India's coconut sector. It covers output, exports at ₹7,038.35 crore in 2025-26, Coconut Development Board schemes and the new Coconut Promotion Scheme.
- What it is
- The Coconut Development Board (CDB) is the central body for the integrated development of coconut cultivation and industry in India. It works under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and is headquartered in Kochi. It also acts as the Export Promotion Council for coconut products other than husk and fibre.
- CDB set-up
- CDB was established on 12 January 1981 under the Agriculture Ministry, with headquarters at Kochi.
- India's global rank
- India is first in coconut production and third in cultivation area, with 31.24 percent and 17.90 percent of global totals.
- State leaders
- Keralam has the largest area, Tamil Nadu leads production, and Andhra Pradesh has the highest productivity.
- Copra procurement agencies
- NAFED and NCCF are the Central Nodal Agencies for copra procurement.
Don’t confuse with Milling copra vs ball copra: Milling copra is used mainly for oil extraction. Ball copra is edible and used as a dry fruit and for religious purposes. Ball copra has the higher MSP.
Don’t confuse with Area vs production vs productivity leaders: Keralam leads in area, Tamil Nadu in production, and Andhra Pradesh in productivity. Do not mix them up.
Economy terms and data: 42 Prelims questions since 2013, rising in recent years; they test what a term or instrument means. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.
Why it matters
- Coconut supports about 30 million people, including 10 million farmers, mostly small and marginal.
- Value-added exports such as virgin coconut oil and coconut milk raise farm incomes and foreign earnings.
Problems
- Pest outbreaks, root wilt disease and ageing, unproductive palms cut yields.
- Dependence on small holdings and on traditional products leaves farmers exposed to price swings.
Way forward
- Replant and rejuvenate old gardens with quality seedlings and certified nurseries.
- Encourage intercropping, farmer collectives and processing units to add value and exports.
- 2018Mains GS3 · Q13Role of National Horticulture Mission in boosting horticulture farm income
- 2025Mains GS3 · Q14Scope of food processing industries and government employment measures
- 2019Mains GS3 · Q14Government policies to meet food processing sector challenges
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Standing agricultural topic with state-wise leaders and a new Budget scheme, but no strong debate or recurring Prelims pattern.
Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.