Even as plans are afoot to establish a tender coconut market in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar, Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Nag has urged coconut farmers in the district to make use of expert guidance to enhance the value of coconut cultivation, which she described as both economically and nutritionally beneficial.

Ms. Nag inaugurated a seminar on ‘Integrated Management of Major Pests and Diseases in Coconut’ in Chamarajanagar on Tuesday, organised jointly by the district administration, Department of Horticulture, Haradanahalli Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mysuru College of Horticulture, and Chamarajanagar Taluk Coconut Growers’ Cooperative Society, on the occasion of World Coconut Day.

Referring to the significance of the crop, she said that Karnataka cultivates coconuts on 7 lakh hectares, ranking second in the country. Tumakuru, Hassan, Chitradurga, and Chamarajanagar are the major coconut-producing districts in the State; however, as much of the produce is sold outside the State, farmers are losing out on direct profits, Ms. Nag stated.

“Coconut is a ‘kalpavriksha’. From rituals to food preparation, every part of it is useful. Tender coconut water is a natural health booster, and demand for cold-pressed coconut oil is rising. Plans are on to set up a tender coconut market in the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC),” she said, adding that the use of coconut oil helps reduce cholesterol.

The Deputy Commissioner stressed the need for farmers to tap government schemes, loans, and subsidies, and urged that the services of Krishi Sakhis and Pashu Sakhis be used for spreading information at the village level.

She also spoke about emerging diseases like the black-headed caterpillar infestation, for which surveys are being taken up.

Chamarajanagar Taluk Coconut Growers’ Cooperative Society president A.M. Mahesh Prabhu said that coconut, being a perennial crop, assures farmers steady income for generations. “Nearly 130 byproducts can be derived from coconuts, and cooperatives are working on value addition for sustainable growth,” he said.

Zilla Panchayat CEO Mona Roth, farmer leaders, and experts were present. The inaugural event was followed .technical sessions and interactions.