This special report from Thiruvananthapuram focuses on the severe coconut crisis gripping Kerala, the state whose name means 'land of coconut trees'. The report examines the sharp decline in coconut production and the resulting sky-high prices, with coconuts selling for over 70 rupees a kilo and oil nearing 410 rupees per kilogram. An expert on the crisis states, ‘We now face shorter but heavier spells of rain, warmer nights and heatwaves. Added to this is the lack of care for existing coconut trees’. The story explores the multiple causes, including climate change, devastating pest attacks from the red palm weevil, a critical shortage of skilled labour, and the rampant conversion of fertile coconut groves into real estate. As households and restaurants cut back on coconut usage, the report questions whether Kerala is losing a part of its core identity.
00:00Now Kerala derives its name from Kera, meaning coconut, the land of coconut trees.
00:04Scots own country, however, today fears losing the status as coconut trees and the coconut production of the state is on a gradual decline.
00:12My colleague Shibi Mool gets us this report.
00:22Kerala is witnessing an unprecedented rise in the price of coconuts and coconut oil.
00:27With coconuts now selling at over 70 rupees a kilo and oil nearing 430 rupees a litre.
00:36Experts blame climate change, pest attacks, land diversion for construction and shortage of skilled labour for the sharp decline in production.
00:47As Shriram Oil Mill in Thiruvananthapuram, it's a busy evening.
00:51But owner Hariharan, who has been in the business for 40 years, says sourcing coconuts has become increasingly difficult.
01:21Coconut remains essential in every Malayali household.
01:41Demand hasn't vanished, but people are buying less.
01:44Restaurants, once loyal to coconut oil, have switched to cheaper alternatives.
01:51A surge in global demand has also worsened the supply crunch.
01:55Neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have adopted scientific farming and better pest control, leaving Kerala lagging behind.
02:04Climate change has intensified the problem.
02:10Heavier, shorter rains and warmer nights have made crops vulnerable to pests, especially the red palm weevil, now a major threat.
02:20The labour shortage has made things worse.
02:23Earlier, skilled climbers cleaned the crown of the trees, preventing infestations.
02:29Today, migrant workers use climbing devices that often can't reach the crown, leaving trees exposed.
02:37Another key concern, experts say, is land conversion.
02:42Fertile coconut groves giving way to villas and high rises.
02:46First, we have to increase the planning, training to the labourers for plantation management.
03:00Then proper manuring and fertiliser application.
03:04Restrict the constructions.
03:08That's the main thing.
03:10You know, as Malayalese, we have often faced this question from non-Malayalese as to why do we add coconut into literally everything.
03:17Well, that's the kind of role this one crop plays in various ways in our day-to-day lives.
03:21And today, when we talk about this crisis, we are not just talking about losing a crop that plays a very important role in our day-to-day lives,
03:27but about an identity that is so closely attached to the name of this very state, Kerala.
03:33With video journalist Tinkuraj Srega, Shibhimolkeji for India today from Tiruvanda Baram.
Be the first to comment