Farmers hit hard as coconut prices plunge in Mysuru, Chamarajanagar

Mysuru: A sharp fall in coconut prices has left growers in distress in Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts after they enjoyed strong returns until last month.

A kilogram of coconut that was purchased at Rs 80 to Rs 90 in APMC and other markets, has now dropped by nearly half to around Rs 40. While the decline has brought some relief to consumers, it has raised concerns among farmers who depend on coconut as a key cash crop and also grow bananas and vegetables as intercrops.

Experts attribute the price slide to a bumper harvest and a dip in copra and coconut powder prices in international markets. Coconut prices surged over the last year due to multiple factors, including reduced output, pest and fungal attacks, drought conditions, shrinking cultivation area and poor plantation maintenance. During the festival season, the retail price of de-husked coconut touched Rs 100 per kg, while wholesale prices hovered at Rs 80-90.

Farmers say the earlier price rise helped them recover some losses after facing bud rot, leaf rot, wilt and other diseases. However, the sudden market reversal again has pushed many growers into uncertainty. According to horticulture department sources, coconut is cultivated across 13,633 hectares in Chamarajanagar and 11,735 hectares in Mysuru district.

Mahesh Prabhu, vice-president of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene, and chairman of Chamarajanagar coconut producers, marketing, processing society, said demand has weakened sharply and there are 'no more takers' in APMC yards. He said several coconut powder manufacturing units in Tamil Nadu’s Kangai and nearby regions have stopped buying from farmers, triggering the price crash. He added that the prices of tender coconut and coconut oil have remained relatively stable.

Prabhu urged the govt to intervene by procuring coconuts at a minimum support price and removing obstacles to exports of coconut powder and other value-added products. He also sought a Raitha Santhe-style direct marketing platform for coconut growers to secure better returns.

Deputy director of horticulture Manjunath Angadi advised farmers not to sell in distress and to stock produce until prices stabilise. He said the department would initiate steps to protect growers’ interests.