Traditionally, coconut was grown for edible oil. It served as an ingredient for
various industrial applications too. The changed food habits and availability of
other cheaper edible oils both in the edible and industrial sectors, however, have
brought out a drastic decline in the use of coconut oil in these areas. During the
last few years, on account of heavy imports of cheaper vegetable oil, especially
of the Palmolein, the price of coconut oil has been depressed despite the large-scale
price support operations undertaken. The Price Support Scheme could not make much
impact in pushing up the price level and was not beneficial to the farmers as expected.
In this context, it was realized that diversification of coconut derived products
and value addition could only help the coconut growers in getting remunerative prices.
The coconut crop has also been affected by severe pests and debilitating diseases
like root-wilt, ganoderma wilt, Thanjavur wilt and Tatipaka disease. It was realized
that a major initiative should be started towards controlling the pests and diseases
in coconut to improve its productivity and promote product diversification on better
value realization from various coconut products. This will help the small and marginal
farmers who depend on coconut for their livelihood to realize better returns.
In this context to protect the interest of the coconut growers, the Prime Minister
announced launching of Technology Mission on Coconut. The Mission should converge
and synergize all the efforts through vertical and horizontal integration of existing
programmes and address the problems and bridge the gaps through appropriate programmes
in Mission Mode to ensure adequate, appropriate, timely and concurrent action. This
would help develop a mechanism which makes coconut farming competitive and ensures
reasonable returns.
TMOC Updates
SIBB-R&D keen to associate with CDB
SCMS Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology Research & Development (SIBB-R&D), Kalamassery, Cochin has shown keen interest to be associated with the Coconut Development Board for development of coconut based products utilizing their existing infrastructure and technical competence. High quality research in biotechnology & bioscience for the promotion of Biotech Industry at National and International level are being undertaken by the Institute. Dr.C.Mohankumar, Director, Dr.Balachandran, consultant and scientists from the Institute had a preliminary discussion with Shri.T.K. Jose IAS, Chairman and other senior officials of the Board on 17.10.2011 in this regard. SIBB would be submitting projects for development of value added coconut products shortly to CDB for assistance under Technology Mission on Coconut (TMOC) programme of CDB.
Applications invited for setting up / modernizing / expanding coconut processing units
Applications are invited from prospective entrepreneurs for setting up /modernizing / expanding coconut processing units under Technology Mission on Coconut. Financial assistance @ 25% of the project cost limited to a maximum of Rs.50 lakhs is extended as credit linked back ended subsidy for setting up of coconut processing units for production of value added coconut products. Modernization and expansion of existing processing units will also be eligible for assistance. The detailed project for seeking assistance for setting up coconut processing unit should be submitted through the Financial Institution, willing to sanction a minimum of 40% of the project cost as term loan for Private entrepreneurs and 25% term loan for Co-operative societies.
Packed tender nut water, coconut water based vinegar, Desiccated coconut powder, defatted coconut powder, coconut cream, coconut milk powder, Packed and Branded coconut oil with Agmark standards, Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), Coconut chips, coconut jaggery, snow ball tender coconut, shell powder, shell charcoal, activated carbon, shell/wood based handicrafts, coconut wood processing units, copra dryer, integrated processing units etc. and such other new and innovative coconut based products, which are backed by commercially viable technologies will be considered for granting financial assistance.
Financial assistance is also provided to manufacturers for market promotion of coconut products through brand publicity through electronic media including website, print Media, Parlours, Kiosks, Warehouse, undertaking activities like buyer-seller meet, exchange of delegations, Participation of Exhibitions/Fairs/ Melas, printing of Leaflets, Pamphlets, Brochures, Posters, display of coconut products at Air Ports/Railway Stations and erection of hoardings etc. on the basis of approved proposals . The financial assistance is 50% of the project cost limited to Rs.10 lakhs for individuals and Rs.25 lakhs to co-operative organisations on reimbursement basis.
Entrepreneurs requiring external expertise for preparation of project reports may contact the Board’s empanelled consultants,
M/s. GSPU and Associates, Sasthamangalam, Thiruvananthapuram, (Phone 0471-2723427, 09349336982),
Shri. Job K.T, Assistant Professor, Centre for management Development, Thycaud, Thiruvananathapuram (Phone: 91471-2320101),
Shri. V.Venkitachalam, Project Consultant, Panampally Nagr, Cochin (Phone: 0484 -2319841, 9446087841),
M/s. Datamation Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Hasanpur, New Delhi (Phone: 91-11-43038800, 43038802),
Dr. P.M.Mathew, Director, Institute of Small Enterprises and Development, Cochin (Phone: 0484 -2809884, 2808171) and
M/s. Solutions and Services in Management and Development (SSMD), Manorama Junction, Kochi (Tel/Fax -0484 – 2318383).
The project proposals completed in all respects may be sent to the Chairman, Coconut Development Board, Kerabhavan, Kochi 682 011.
Virgin coconut oil and dietary fibre technology for transfer
The Coconut Development Board and Central Food Technology Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore have developed a technology for production of Virgin Coconut Oil and Dietary Fibre. Virgin coconut oil is made from fresh coconut meat by wet milling process (cold processing). Coconut milk is fermented and then by mechanical process, water is separated from oil. No heating or application of sunlight or dryer is done for the process. The virgin coconut oil is free from trans fatty acid, high in medium chain fats (MCFA) known as lauric acid, which is identical to special group of fats found human breast milk and also rich in vitamin-E. The technology will be transferred to entrepreneurs having a sound financial background and experience in production and marketing. Interested entrepreneurs may apply to the Board in the prescribed application form which is downloadable from the link given below. The selected entrepreneurs will be required to pay a technology transfer fee of Rs.50,000. The Board reserves the right to reject all or any of the applications received.