Goa's Skyrocketing Coconut Demand: A Tropical Dilemma

Goa's booming tourism industry has led to an increasing demand for coconuts, prompting the import of 2.9 crore coconuts over three years. Despite covering a significant area of cultivation, local production can't meet demand. Measures like subsidies and training aim to support local farmers and address this growing issue.

In light of Goa's burgeoning tourism industry, the state has imported 2.9 crore coconuts over the last three years to bridge the gap between supply and demand. Local production has fallen short due to the rapid growth of tourism-related businesses, such as hotels and restaurants.

According to a statement by state agriculture minister Ravi Naik in the assembly, import numbers soared to 1.85 crore mature coconuts between 2023 and 2024. For 2024-25, another 91.85 lakh were brought in, underscoring the state's mounting dependence on external sources for this tropical staple.

The government has launched several initiatives to bolster local production, including subsidies for replanting coconut palms and training programs to enhance harvesting techniques. These efforts aim to support farmers and reduce reliance on imports, a necessity given the state's extensive cultivation area of 26,807 hectares.

(With inputs from agencies.)