Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar has said that his Ministry is considering a proposal for providing subsidy on coconut oil which could be of help to the farmers as well as the coconut-based agri-business. He was addressing a review meeting of the Coconut Development Board here on Saturday.
Mr. Pawar underlined the need for cultivating varieties having more kernel content. The thrust should be on developing dwarf varieties.
He also called for development of technologies to benefit coconut farmers.
Museum opened
He inaugurated a coconut museum which displays coconut-based handicrafts, curios and information on coconut palm cultivation, marketing and relevant health aspects.
A coconut export manual was also released on the occasion. The manual is a compilation of information on export formalities, procedures and schemes.
Union Minister of State for Agriculture K.V. Thomas urged farmers to concentrate on value addition and product diversification. He also called for effective strategy for marketing of tender coconut water. Minnie Mathew, chairperson of the Board; S. Rama Raju, vice-chariman of the board; and M. Sukumara Pillai, chairman, Kerafed, were among the officials present.
