The fertile coastal belts of coconut producing states in India have shaped the nation’s agricultural economy through coconut cultivation.
It supported millions of people’s livelihoods and created a thriving coconut industry.
91.11% of the coconuts come from four states: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. The remaining 8.89% comes from the rest of India, including union territories.
Let us dive deep into the coconut producing states in India, their statistics, and several factors that made them stand out on this list.
| State | Coconut Production (Million nuts) | Percentage Share | Area Cultivated (Hectares) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karnataka | 6,151 | 28.78% | 5,64,620 |
| Tamil Nadu | 6,091.98 | 28.50% | 4,92,610 |
| Kerala | 5,522.71 | 25.84% | 7,65,840 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 1,707.08 | 7.99% | 1,07,370 |
| West Bengal | 421.18 | 1.97% | 32,930 |
| Odisha | 399.43 | 1.87% | 54,950 |
| Maharashtra | 262.6 | 1.22% | 31,320 |
| Gujarat | 246.08 | 1.15% | 26,560 |
| Assam | 178.27 | 0.83% | 20,190 |
| Bihar | 46.42 | 0.21% | 10,820 |
| Total (India) | 21373.62 | 100% | 2165200 |
1. Karnataka
Karnataka ranks first among the coconut producing states in India with a production of 6151 million nuts of coconut during 2023-24. This accounts for 28.78% of the total coconut production in India.
Located in Southern India, the state benefits from a tropical climate characterized by abundant rainfall and sunshine, which creates perfect conditions for coconut cultivation.
Karnataka cultivates coconuts on around 5,64,620 Hectares of land.
In this state, most farmers cultivate the Tiptur tall variety and intercrop coconut with other crops, such as cocoa and spices.
Unlike other states, Coconut cultivation in Karnataka extends to its semi-arid regions too.
Tumakuru, Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, Chitradurga, Dakshina Kannada, and Udupi are the districts in Karnataka where most of the cultivation happens.
As per the area of coconut cultivation, Karnataka ranks second after Kerala. However, due to its high productivity, it overtakes other states in terms of coconut production.
Karnataka’s success in coconut production can be attributed to effective integrated pest management techniques. Along with that are the adoption of well-space planting, and the habitat management techniques used.
The State government also supports the farmers through several initiatives that provide awareness of coconut cultivation and pest control, alongside developing processing facilities.
There are several coconut packing and processing units in the state and several copra manufacturing units.
2. Tamil Nadu
With a production of 6091.98 million coconut nuts for 2023-24, Tamil Nadu stands second on the list.
Tamil Nadu state alone contributes 28.50% of the nation’s coconut output.
The state’s hot and humid climate, rich laterite and alluvial soils, and adequate rainfall provide several regions in Tamil Nadu with an ideal environment for the growth of coconut trees.
Coconut cultivation in this state occurs on 492610 hectares of land, especially in the districts of Coimbatore, Tirupur, Dindigul, Thanjavur, Vellore, and Kanyakumari. Also, cultivation is expanding significantly in the Cauvery Delta.
Regarding productivity, Tamil Nadu produces 12,367 nuts per hectare of land, the second highest among Indian states.
The state government is implementing several programmes to increase coconut cultivation through replantation and rejuvenation of coconut gardens.
The State government of Tamil Nadu actively supports coconut farmers by educating them on pest control and integrated farming, providing quality seedlings, and sharing best practices.
Tamil Nadu has several coconut processing units, particularly in Coimbatore, Tirupur, and Salem. They concentrate on oil extraction, copra manufacturing, and desiccated coconut production.
3. Kerala
Kerala is famed for its extensive coconut groves and scenic beauty. The state has unique environmental conditions that support coconut cultivation.
For 2023-24, Kerala had produced 5522.71 million coconut nuts and stands third among the coconut producing states in India, accounting for 25.84% nationwide.
However, Kerala stands at the top of all the Indian states in terms of coconut cultivation by area.
This crop is cultivated on 7,65,840 hectares of land in Kerala, which is 35.37% of the nation’s share. However, the productivity of coconuts is 7211 nuts per hectare, which is relatively low compared to other states, making Kerala third in coconut production.
Coconut farming is widespread across districts like Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kannur.
The state harbours major coconut markets in India and has earned its reputation as the heartland of the coconut industry. Kochi, the biggest city in Kerala, is a significant export hub for coconuts and their products.
The coconut farming and industry’s impact in Kerala is more than just from an economic point. It is an integral part of the state’s culture and social life.
Be it coconut water, oil, coir, or shell, every part of the coconut has been used in varied applications for centuries in this state.
The West Coast tall variety, known for its high oil content and resilience, dominates the traditional coconut plantations. Modern plantation owners are opting for Dwarf varieties like Chowghat orange dwarf and hybrid varieties like Chandrasankara and Kerasankara.
Most farmers practice intercropping with spices and vegetables.
Coconut farming industries contribute approximately 15% of Kerala’s agriculture GDP and employ a large number of people.
The State Government, along with the Coconut Development Board in Kochi, implements several schemes to promote the cultivation and value addition of coconut products.
4. Andhra Pradesh
With 1707.08 million coconut nuts produced during 2023-24, Andhra Pradesh is fourth in this list of states, accounting for 7.99% of the country’s coconut production.
An interesting fact about this state’s coconut production is its productivity.
The productivity of coconuts in Andhra Pradesh is 15899 nuts per hectare. This makes the state stand at the top among all the major coconut cultivating states. This crop is cultivated on around 107370 hectares of land in Andhra.
The coastal region of the state has ideal conditions for the cultivation of Coconuts, mainly due to rich alluvial soils, adequate rainfall, and the presence of abundant water resources.
In Andhra Pradesh, farmers cultivate coconuts mainly in the Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, Anakapalli, Vizianagaram, and Kakinada districts.
East Coast tall variety is widely cultivated as it performs well in this region.
Farmers here mostly intercrop their coconut gardens with vegetables.
The State Government had implemented several programs to support coconut cultivation, mainly on the expansion, replanting and rejuvenation of coconut gardens, providing crop insurance schemes and subsidies.
The main constraint on coconut cultivation in Andhra Pradesh is its vulnerability to cyclones and storm surges due to its geographical location.
Despite the challenges, the state’s coconut cultivation and industry show promising potential due to innovative practices, technological adoption, and market development.
Other Significant Coconut Producing States in India.
The major coconut producing states in India are Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, which contribute to 91.10% of the nation’s coconut production.
The other states and union territories contribute the rest of the 8.90%.
Although less significant in current production, many of these states have immense potential to expand their coconut cultivation and play an important role in the future.
5. West Bengal
Having a production of 421.18 million nuts of coconut, West Bengal is a significant contributor in the eastern India.
This state’s coconut production accounts for 1.97% of the nation’s share and cultivates coconuts on 32930 hectares.
Districts in the Ganga delta region, Murshidabad, South 24 Parganas, and North24 Parganas are where most of the coconut cultivation occurs.
The East Coast tall variety dominates the traditional plantations in this region. Severa hybrid and dwarf varieties have also been introduced in modern plantations.
The value chain of coconuts here is different from that of South Indian states as it’s linked to the jaggery production industry by using coconut sap.
Imminent climate change cyclones are the major constraints of coconut cultivation here.
6. Odisha
Gaining momentum in recent years, Odisha has a production of 399.43 million nuts of coconut, which accounts for 1.87% of India’s share.
Farmers in this state cultivate coconuts across 54950 hectares, achieving a productivity of 7269 nuts per hectare.
Coconut cultivation thrives in the Puri, Cuttack, Ganjam, Nayagarh, and Kendrapara districts in Odisha.
The state government and the coconut development board are working together to increase the cultivation of coconuts and establish a solid value chain.
7. Maharashtra
Maharashtra, with a production of 307.75 million coconut nuts, stands seventh among the coconut producing states in India. This accounts for 1.22% of nations share.
Farmers here cultivate coconuts on 31320 hectares, achieving an average productivity of 8,384 nuts per hectare. The primary variety grown in this region is the West Coast tall.
Coastal regions in Maharashtra, especially the Konkan region, dominate coconut cultivation, specifically in Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg and Raigad districts.
8. Gujarat
Producing 246.08 million coconut nuts during the year 2023-24, Gujarat stands eighth among all the Indian states. It accounts for 1.15% of India’s share.
What makes Gujarat a special state in the list is its farmer’s innovative practices and the adaptation of coconut farming in semi-arid conditions.
Regarding coconut cultivation in Gujarat, it is cultivated in 26560 hectares of land with a productivity of 9265 coconuts per hectare.
Coastal districts Gir-Somnath, Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Valsad, and Kutch are where most cultivation happens.
9. Assam
Assam’s coconut production for 2023-24 is 178.27 million nuts, which accounts for 0.83% of India’s coconut production.
Coconut is mainly cultivated in the Brahmaputra Valley region of the state. The total area of coconut farming in Assam is 20190 hectares, and the productivity per hectare is 8830 nuts.
Farmers here follow intercropping their plantations.
The government of Assam is implementing a Coconut development scheme to improve crop management and increase yields.
10. Bihar
Though Bihar may not be known as a major coconut producing state, but it is actively expanding its cultivation and supply, positioning itself as a major contributor to coconut supply in northern India.
Bihar produces 46.42 million coconut nuts, which are cultivated in 10820 hectares. The production makes up 0.21% of the total production share in India.
The productivity of coconuts per hectare is 4292.
Despite not being a coastal site, coconut cultivation is possible in Bihar due to the special climatic conditions and fertile soils present in its Kosi region.
