Despite a significant drop in coconut prices, middlemen in southern Kerala are selling them at inflated rates, causing financial strain on consumers.
The price of green coconuts has plummeted from 78 rupees per kilogram to just 42 rupees. Dried coconut now sells for 52 rupees per kilogram, while copra has decreased from 200 to 150 rupees per kilogram. These numbers reflect a broader trend — a staggering 40% drop from record highs.
Coconut oil prices are also affected; they have fallen from over 500 rupees per liter to around 260 rupees. Yet, this decrease hasn’t translated to savings for consumers in southern Kerala. Here, middlemen exploit the price differences between northern and southern districts.
In northern Kerala, green coconuts fetch about 40-42 rupees per kilogram, while the same product can cost between 65-70 rupees in the south. This manipulation raises questions about market fairness and farmers’ welfare.
The current situation stems from several factors. Increased production in Tamil Nadu has contributed significantly to the price drop in Kerala. Additionally, export disruptions to the Gulf due to regional conflicts have affected coconut availability.
As farmers face a financial crisis due to these price drops, observers urge government intervention to stabilize prices and support the agricultural community. The current heatwave has also led to an unexpected surge in coconut supply, complicating the market dynamics further.
While coconut farmers enjoyed a ‘golden period’ recently, they now grapple with uncertainty and dwindling incomes. The question remains: who will step in to protect both farmers and consumers amid this turmoil?
