Tender coconuts from Channarayapatna and Arsikere taluks are reaching distant places, including Mumbai, to quench people’s thirst there. On an average, a truckload of tender coconuts from Channarayapatna reaches Mumbai every week. Similarly, places in north Karnataka and parts of Maharashtra also receive tender coconuts from Hassan district.
“We growers get around Rs. 10 per tender coconut, while those who take them from here make good profit,” said Chandrappa, a farmer near Bittagowdanahalli in Holenarasipur taluk. He has about 400 coconut trees, all about six to seven years old.
When this reporter met him on Saturday, the grower had just sold about 300 tender coconuts to a trader, who has a tie-up with merchants in big cities like Mumbai. “As a grower, I have to spend a lot to grow trees and secure them. Finally, I will be getting only Rs. 10 per coconut, while those carry it from here sell it to the customer for anywhere between Rs. 25 to Rs. 30. In Hassan, the price is Rs. 25, but in cities like Mumbai it is much higher,” Mr. Chandrappa said.
Demand for tender coconuts is expected to go up in the coming months when the temperature increases.
Going tender
Consistent decrease in the price of copra is one of the reasons many growers are now leaning towards selling tender coconuts. At present, copra is priced around Rs. 10,000 a tonne. A year ago, the price was Rs. 18,000 a tonne. Dayanand, another grower, told The Hindu that tender coconuts from Tumakuru, parts of Mandya, Hassan and Chikkamagaluru districts are in demand both within and outside the State. “I wish government agencies would consider this as a potential investment opportunity so that coconut water is made available in sachets or easily disposable containers. Such a move will help coconut growers,” Mr. Dayanand said.
