Kuttiady coconut park will soon be a reality

Velam: After decades of uncertainties, the much-touted Kuttiady coconut park will soon become a reality in Manimala. Kerala industries minister P Rajeev will lay the foundation stone on Saturday. 

Kuttiady, a region in Kozhikode, is notable for its coconut production. For the past several decades, the farmers in the area have been demanding a park for procuring and processing coconuts and boosting the production of coconut-based products. 

Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) will set up the park on 115.13 acres of land procured in Manimala by the state government. The idea for a park was first proposed during the tenure of the LDF government led by VS Achuthanandan. Following this, the government initiated action for land acquisition in Malamala. 

However, the project came to a standstill after the landowners approached the court demanding better compensation. The project was relaunched following a favourable verdict on the matter. 

Meanwhile, a Rs 7.53 crore tender was invited for various minor constructions in the project area. Further, the topographic survey was completed after clearing the trees in the area. Coconut-based product industries and food processing units will be established here.