Kerala trails in coconut processing despite strong export contribution

Vatakara: With the rise in coconut prices, exports of coconut products have also reached a record high. In 2024-25, products worth Rs 4,349 crore were exported from the country. This is Rs 880 crore more than the previous year. This is a record. The previous best achievement was Rs 3,554 crore in 2022-23. Although there was no significant increase in the quantity of products exported, the value increased due to higher prices.

The global price of coconuts has been on the rise since September 2024. In 2023-24, when 52,528 tonnes of green coconuts were exported, the revenue was Rs 187 crore. This time, the export decreased to 45,370 tonnes, and the revenue was Rs 232 crore.

Last year, 16,994 tonnes of copra were exported, earning Rs 173.88 crore. This year, the export value was 17,583 tonnes of copra. Although the export value was 589 tonnes, the value was Rs 242 crore. The increase was Rs 68 crore. In 2023-24, 16,148 tonnes of coconut oil were exported, worth Rs 334 crores. This year, the export volume increased by 301 tonnes to 16,149 tonnes, with a value of Rs 395 crores. Desiccated coconut exports showed a big jump compared to the previous year. It increased from 2,415 tonnes to 8,195 tonnes. The value increased from Rs 36 crore to Rs 163.4 crore.

Activated charcoal sees a spike

The reason why large activated carbon manufacturing companies are roaming around villages is evident from the export figures.

Activated charcoal alone accounts for 63 per cent of the total coconut product exports of Rs 4,349 crore. Charcoal exports earned Rs 2,799 crore. Coconut charcoal is converted into activated charcoal through some chemical process. Indian activated charcoal is in high demand in foreign industries.

1.76 lakh tonnes of activated charcoal was exported last year. This is also a record. This has also increased the price of coconut and is reflected in the price of activated charcoal. Although the quantity of activated charcoal exported this time was 14 per cent less than the previous year, the value increased by 32 per cent.

The export value in Kochi is 1031 crores

Last year, coconut products worth Rs 1,031 crore were exported through the Cochin port. But, Kerala, which accounts for 23 per cent of the country's total exports, lags behind states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in coconut production and by-product manufacturing.