India and coconut go hand-in-hand. From being used as an offering in temples to being served as a coconut chutney in Indian breakfast, this single fruit is an essential part of daily lives, and culture of millions of Indians. But in every coconut there is a story of soil, climate and cultivation, and there is one state that is now leading that story. Let’s find out which state is the largest producer of coconut in India.
Which State is the Largest Producer of Coconut in India?
According to the Coconut Development Board under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare of the Government of India, the top coconut-producing state in India is Karnataka with over 6,151 million coconuts produced in 2023-24.
This represents 28.78% of the country's coconut production. As per the Coconut Development Board, the districts of Tumakuru, Hassan, Chikmaglur and Mandya are the main drivers of this production. These areas gain the most benefit of the tropical climate, adequate rainfall and sunlight which the coconut palms require.
READ| Which State is the Largest Producer of Jowar in India?
Major Coconut Producing States in India
As per Indian Brand Equity Foundation, the major coconut producing states in Ind
ia include Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. These states produce 90.77% of the total coconut production.
The IBEF website mentions: “India’s coconut production is majorly situated in Kerala, Karnataka, Tami Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, accounting for 89.13% of the coconut area and 90.77% of the coconut production in the country during FY24. Other coconut-producing states in the country are West Bengal, Orissa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Assam and Bihar.”
Here is the data as per the Coconut Development Board:
| SL No | State/UT'S | Area('000 Ha) | Production(Million Nuts) | Productivity(Nuts/Ha) |
| 1 | Karnataka | 564.62 | 6151 | 10894 |
| 2 | Tamil Nadu | 492.61 | 6091.98 | 12367 |
| 3 | Kerala | 765.84 | 5522.71 | 7211 |
| 4 | Andhra Pradesh | 107.37 | 1707.08 | 15899 |
| 5 | West Bengal | 32.93 | 421.18 | 12790 |
India's Place in the Global Coconut Production
India's coconut cultivation is impressive. India produces about 30.37% of the global coconut production. In India, coconut farming is done in an area of about 2,165.20 thousand hectares, and 21,373.62 million nuts are produced every year. About 10 million farmers and almost 30 million people are involved in coconut cultivation and its related activities.
The PIB mentions: “India is the world’s largest producer of coconuts contributing to 30.37% of the Global coconut production. Globally, coconut cultivation covers nearly 12390 thousand hectares, of which India accounts for approximately 2165.20 thousand hectares. The country produces around 21373.62 million nuts annually. The average productivity stands at around 9871 nuts per hectare, reflecting the crop’s significant contribution to agricultural output of the country.About 30 million people including nearly 10 million farmers, depend on coconuts for their livelihood.”
The crop contributes about Rs. 307,498 million to India's GDP and enables more than 15,000 coir-related industries to generate jobs for almost 6 lakh people.
The India Trade Portal states: “The crop contributes around Rs. 307,498 million (US$ 3.88 billion) to the country's gross domestic product (GDP). The coconut palm provides food security and livelihood opportunities to more than 12 million people in India. It is also a fiber yielding crop for more than 15,000 coir-based industries, providing employment to nearly 6 lakh people.”
In recent years, Karnataka might have claimed the title of India's biggest coconut growing state, but South India's coconut belt, comprising Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, is still one of the country's most important agricultural belts.
READ| Which State is the Largest Producer of Muskmelon in India?
Check out some more interesting articles from the general knowledge section to boost your knowledge of national and international topics. Stay connected with Jagran Josh for more topics like this.
