Coconut Exports Jump 62% to ₹7,038 Crore: New Scheme to Benefit Farmers

Key Highlights

• Coconut exports increased 62% in one year, reaching ₹7,038 crore.

• New Budget scheme will promote coconut production and market opportunities.

• States to prepare phased plans to revive 60-70-year-old coconut plantations.

• Cashew, cocoa, spices and other horticultural crops will get greater market focus.

• Farmer ID, AgriStack, Bharat Vistar and Digital Crop Survey work to be completed on time.

India’s coconut exports have recorded strong growth, rising from ₹4,349 crore to ₹7,038 crore in one year, registering a 62% increase. The development was highlighted at the Regional Agriculture Conference for Southern States held in Hyderabad on September 18, 2026.

The conference, addressed by Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, focused on improving farmers’ incomes, horticulture, agricultural exports, digital agriculture, climate-related challenges and preparations for the upcoming Rabi season.

With southern states being major coconut-producing regions, the government has asked them to prepare for the implementation of the new coconut promotion scheme announced in the Union Budget. The focus is also on reviving old coconut plantations and creating new market opportunities for farmers growing coconut, cashew, cocoa, spices, coffee and other horticultural crops.

Coconut Exports Rise to ₹7,038 Crore

According to the government, India’s coconut exports increased from ₹4,349 crore to ₹7,038 crore in one year, marking 62% growth. The latest figure reflects the growing demand for Indian coconut products in international markets.

The government wants southern states to make full use of this export opportunity. A new scheme for promoting the coconut sector, announced in the Budget, is now set to become operational. States have been asked to prepare plans so that farmers can benefit from better production, plantation development and market opportunities.

Focus on Revival of 60-70-Year-Old Coconut Plantations

The productivity of ageing coconut plantations remains a challenge for farmers. Coconut trees that are around 60 to 70 years old can produce fewer coconuts, while the quality of the produce may also decline.

To address this issue, states have been asked to prepare strategies for plantation rejuvenation. Instead of removing old trees at once, the government has suggested gradually replacing them with new plants in phases.

A phased approach can help improve plantation productivity while reducing the risk of a sudden impact on farmers incomes. Scientific methods such as improved planting and plantation management can also support the rejuvenation process.

Cashew, Cocoa and Other Horticulture Crops to Get Attention

The conference also highlighted the commercial potential of cashew and cocoa in southern India. States have been encouraged to prepare promotion plans in advance so farmers can benefit from expanding domestic and international markets.

Apart from coconut, the region has significant potential in spices, coffee, cashew, cocoa, sandalwood and other horticultural crops. Better coordination between production, quality, processing and marketing can help farmers access more opportunities in both Indian and global markets.

Focus on Global Demand and Free Trade Agreements

Agricultural exports were another major focus of the conference. States were asked to study opportunities created by Free Trade Agreements and identify fruits, vegetables, grains and other agricultural products that have growing demand in international markets.

Farmers will need to produce crops that meet international quality requirements. The government also stressed the adoption of international standards across the agricultural value chain, from production to processing and marketing.

This approach is intended to improve India’s ability to supply global markets while creating additional opportunities for farmers.

Region-Specific Agricultural Plans for Southern States

The conference stressed that a single agricultural strategy cannot work equally well across all parts of India. Soil conditions, water availability, climate and agro-climatic conditions differ from one state and region to another.

Therefore, the government is focusing on region-specific agricultural roadmaps. The Southern States Conference brought together the Centre, state governments, agricultural experts, ICAR institutions and farmers to discuss solutions suited to the region’s specific requirements.

The conference also discussed the impact of El Niño, crop diversification and preparations for the upcoming Rabi season. In areas facing water-related challenges, states are expected to consider suitable crop diversification and resource-based planning.

Successful Agricultural Technologies to Be Shared Between States

Another important focus was the exchange of successful agricultural technologies and farming practices between states. If a technology or farming method has produced good results in one state, its suitability for other regions can be examined and adapted according to local conditions. This can help states learn from each other while avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach.

The Centre also stressed closer coordination between central and state governments, scientists and farmers to solve region-specific agricultural problems and connect farmers with domestic and global markets.

Digital Agriculture Work to Be Completed on Time

The conference reviewed progress on Farmer ID, AgriStack, Digital Crop Survey and Bharat Vistar. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed states to complete their targets and commitments within the stipulated timelines.

Telangana and Karnataka have crossed 75% completion in Farmer ID generation. Good progress in geo-referencing was reported in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Telangana.

Digital Crop Surveys have been completed in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been asked to speed up Farmer ID generation.

The government also wants land records and Farmer Registry data to be properly integrated. States have been asked to improve land-parcel linking and prepare procedures for tenant farmers, including sharecroppers and agricultural tenants.

Bharat Vistar to Reach Farmers in 13 Regional Languages

The government is also preparing to expand Bharat Vistar, a digital agricultural advisory system, to 13 regional languages. Currently available in Hindi and English, the system is planned to include languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. Farmers will be able to ask agriculture-related questions in their own language and receive advice in the same language.

Preparations are also underway to integrate state government agricultural schemes with Bharat Vistar, making it easier for farmers to access relevant information and services.

Agricultural Research to Move From Lab to Farmers Fields

The Agriculture Minister also stressed that agricultural research should reach farmers directly instead of remaining limited to laboratories. India has around 16,000 agricultural scientists, including experts working with ICAR institutes, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and agricultural universities. States can organise 15-day or 20-day campaigns where scientists, farmers and agriculture department officials work together in villages and fields to identify problems and discuss practical solutions.

The objective is to strengthen the “lab to land” approach and make scientific agricultural knowledge more accessible to farmers.

Rabi Conference on September 28-29

Preparations for the Rabi season will receive further attention at the Rabi Conference scheduled for September 28 and 29, 2026, at the Pusa Institute in Delhi. Agriculture ministers and officials from all states will attend with their Rabi action plans. Based on expected crop sowing areas, the conference will assess requirements for seeds, fertilisers and other essential agricultural resources.

The discussions will help states prepare their Rabi plans according to local conditions and resource availability. The Southern Regional Agriculture Conference has therefore placed coconut exports, plantation rejuvenation, horticulture, digital agriculture, agricultural exports, technology sharing and Rabi preparedness among its key priorities. The government’s focus is on closer Centre-State coordination and turning these plans into measurable action for farmers.

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CMV360 Says

India’s rising coconut exports highlight the growing potential of its horticulture sector. The new coconut promotion scheme, plantation rejuvenation and focus on cashew and cocoa could open additional market opportunities for farmers. Alongside this, digital agriculture, scientific field support, export-oriented production and region-specific planning are being pushed to make farming more productive, market-linked and resilient.