Good rain last year has resulted in better yield and hence, despite the scorching sun this summer, availability of tender coconuts have increased from Pollachi area.
According to sources in the sector, usually tender coconut arrivals pick up in March-April.
This year, the yield is more. Area under tender coconut is also increasing in Pollachi and nearby places. Farmers who have coconut trees are moving towards tender coconut as production is higher and demand is also better.
All these have resulted in higher supply this summer.
Tender coconut from Pollachi is sold in Chennai and Mumbai too.
The water content in tender coconuts from Pollachi is more than those from other areas.
Hence, the demand is high, the sources say. Since it is summer, the farm price of tender coconut has increased to Rs. 18 each.
Otherwise, it was Rs. 11 or Rs. 12. Yet, farmers find it viable as even several larger companies are getting into sale of packed tender coconuts and are sourcing from Pollachi. Prices of coconuts have also dropped as import of palm oil has hit the coconut oil market and copra demand has fallen, say the sources.
