Coconut Development Board (CDB) marked World Coconut Day with the launch of its revised schemes and the presentation of the prestigious Export Excellence Awards at the Adlux Convention Centre in Angamaly, Kerala On September 02, 2025. The event brought together policymakers, farmers, exporters, and industry leaders to deliberate on the future of India’s coconut sector while recognizing outstanding contributions to the industry.
Addressing the gathering, M.K. Raghavan, MP and CDB Board Member, stressed the importance of innovation in processing and product diversification. He noted that while Kerala once led the country in coconut cultivation and productivity, it has lost its prime position over the years. Urging farmers to adopt modern practices, he highlighted the need for dedicated efforts to restore Kerala’s legacy in the sector. He also pointed out that the government has substantially increased financial assistance under CDB schemes, providing farmers with greater opportunities to boost production and productivity.
CDB CEO Dr. Prabhat Kumar, in his introductory remarks, highlighted the importance of sustainable production and profitability in farming. Announcing revised cost norms, he revealed that the subsidy for the Area Expansion Programme has been significantly raised from Rs 6,500 per hectare to Rs 56,000. Similarly, the subsidy for seedling production has been enhanced from Rs 8 to Rs 45. He urged stakeholders to adopt an integrated approach covering production, processing, marketing, and exports to ensure long-term growth and stability in the coconut industry.
CDB Chairman Suba Nagarajan underlined the Board’s commitment to building a climate-resilient coconut economy. With an increased budget allocation, the revised schemes aim to support integrated development, value addition, and skill development, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for millions of farmers and workers associated with the sector.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Export Excellence Awards. United Carbon Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Tirupur, Tamil Nadu, won the Gold award for Best Coconut Shell-Based Product Exporter, while Nova Carbons India Pvt. Ltd., Tirunelveli, and Jacobi Carbons India Pvt. Ltd., Coimbatore, bagged the Silver and Bronze awards respectively.
Marico Ltd., Mumbai, secured Gold in the Best Coconut Kernel-Based Product category, while Mezhukkattil Mills, Kerala, and Fair Exports India Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, won Silver and Bronze. Sakthi Coco Products, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, received the Gold award for Best Coconut Water-Based Product Exporter. Special recognitions were given to Carbure Activated Carbon Pvt. Ltd., Coimbatore, as Best Women Exporter, and Global Coconut Farmers Producer Company Ltd., Tirupur, as Best FPO Exporter.
The event also saw the release of several CDB publications, including “Improved Coconut Cultivation Technologies” and revised scheme guidelines.
