Farmers in Dindigul, which is known for its vast coconut groves, have been struggling for months to find buyers for their crop. The price of coconuts has dropped by more than 50% in the last year, with the current rate hovering around Rs.10 per coconut. This is far below the cost of production, which is estimated to be Rs.15 to Rs.20 per coconut.
Coconut farmers in India are facing multiple challenges in their efforts to make a living from their crops. According to farmers in the Dindigul district, middlemen are taking advantage of low prices paid to farmers for coconuts, selling the same produce for double the price to oil making units. This leaves the farmers with meager profits after factoring in the costs of farming, including wages for workers, fertilizers, and other expenses. For many, it is a losing proposition. The recent outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the situation, making it difficult for farmers to sell their produce and sustain their livelihoods.
Farmers say that the lockdowns and restrictions imposed to contain the pandemic have severely impacted the market for their produce. They are finding it difficult to transport their coconuts to other regions due to restrictions on movement and lack of buyers. Many farmers have resorted to selling their coconuts to middlemen at throwaway prices, who then sell them at higher rates to traders in other regions.
The decline in the coconut market has forced many farmers to abandon their groves and seek other sources of income. Some have even turned to selling coconuts for their meat, which fetches a higher price than the whole fruit. However, this is not a sustainable option, as it depletes the trees and reduces their future productivity. Experts say that the government needs to intervene to support the coconut farmers in Dindigul. They suggest that the government should provide subsidies and support for coconut-based industries, such as coconut oil extraction, to increase the demand for coconuts and provide a stable market for farmers. This would not only benefit the farmers but also boost the economy of the region.
The coconut farmers of Dindigul are in a precarious situation due to the declining prices and lack of demand for their produce. The government and other stakeholders need to take immediate steps to support the farmers and prevent them from abandoning their livelihoods.
