The State government will set up two coconut parks for the promotion of coconut-based industries and the effective marketing of new value-added products, Minister for Industries E.P. Jayarajan has said.
Addressing reporters after the valedictory session of the two-day International Coconut Conference here on Sunday, the Minister said the parks would come up in Kannur and Kozhikode districts. “The Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation will identify 100 acres of land each in the districts for the parks. In Kannur, the park will come up at Dharmadom. In Kozhikode district, a suitable area will be identified later,” he said.
Private sector
Referring to the Industries Department’s plan to encourage new coconut-based ventures in the private and cooperative sectors, Mr. Jayarajan said he had already got innovative project proposals from five companies to start coconut-based industries in the State.
“Many other companies too have expressed interest in launching such ventures here to support farmers and explore the scope of marketing value-added products,” he said.
The appointment of trained professionals under the government’s Commerce Mission will be considered to promote coconut-based products and coconut wood furniture. “Cooperation of various marketing agencies and research units too will be ensured by the government,” he added.
Terming the meet a success, the Minister said the suggestions received from the experts would be considered for the development of the sector.
