Vadakara: Prices for Copra are on the rise, with Copra reaching Rs 12,000 per quintal this week. This is Rs 840 above the support price of Rs 11,160. 

Copra was valued at Rs 10,000, with a support price of Rs 10,590 on December 30, 2021. The prices had since then fallen to as low as Rs 7,000 per quintal, causing massive losses for farmers. Despite the support price being set at Rs 32, coconut prices declined, falling to Rs 29 per kg in January 2022 and later dropping to Rs 22. Farmers faced great financial challenges due to these price drops.

While the government started procuring coconuts and copra at support prices, inefficiencies in the process led to farmers not benefiting as expected. This year, only 102 tonnes of copra were procured in Kerala, despite the storage capacity.

Drop in coconut production

Traders opine that the recent price increase is primarily due to a drop in coconut production in Kerala this year, which has affected both copra and ball copra production. The upcoming festive season in North India, including Durga puja and Diwali celebrations next month, has also increased demand for ball copra and dry coconuts in Kerala.

Surge in ball copra prices

Prices have surged greatly; the average price of ball copra was Rs 9,000 in July but has now jumped to Rs 14,500, an increase of Rs 5,500 in just two months. In August, prices reached Rs 12,000, and for Rajapur copra, prices exceeded Rs 16,500, marking the highest price in two years. Dry coconut prices have also gone up massively, now priced at Rs 12,000.

Overall, the rising prices of copra and coconuts are providing a much-needed boost to farmers after a challenging period.