India Tops Global Coconut Output; New Scheme Announced

India continues to lead global coconut production, contributing over 30% to total output, as the Centre announced a new Coconut Promotion Scheme in the Union Budget 2026–27 to boost productivity and farmer incomes.

According to official data, coconut cultivation spans about 2.16 million hectares in India, producing over 21,000 million nuts annually with an average productivity of nearly 9,871 nuts per hectare. The sector supports around 30 million people, including nearly 10 million farmers, underscoring its importance to rural livelihoods.

The proposed Coconut Promotion Scheme aims to enhance production through targeted interventions such as replacing old and unproductive trees with improved, high-yielding varieties. The initiative is part of a broader ₹350 crore allocation for high-value agriculture, which also includes crops like cashew and cocoa.

Officials said the scheme is currently under formulation, and state-wise fund allocation and utilisation details are yet to be finalised.

The move is expected to strengthen India’s competitiveness in coconut production, particularly in major coconut-growing states, while improving income opportunities for farmers dependent on the crop.