Sat Nov 09 13:43:53 UTC 2024: ## Coconut Prices Soar in Coimbatore as Supply Shortage Bites
**Coimbatore, November 09, 2024:** Coconut prices in Coimbatore have skyrocketed in recent weeks, reaching ₹54 per kg at the R.S. Puram Uzhavar Sandhai and even higher at retail outlets. This surge is attributed to a severe shortage in supply, primarily due to the widespread root wilt disease affecting coconut trees and the recent intense summer months.
While coconut farmers are benefiting from the higher prices, the situation is causing concern for consumers. The price increase is expected to persist until January 2025, with the retail price reaching up to ₹65 per kg.
The Horticulture Department is working to mitigate the situation by promoting coconut cultivation through schemes offered by the Coconut Development Board. In Tiruppur district alone, the department aims to increase coconut cultivation by 1,000 hectares, offering subsidies of up to ₹32,000 per hectare to replace aging trees with productive ones.
The department is also conducting a survey to assess the recovery rate of coconut trees affected by root wilt disease. While hybrid varieties begin producing coconuts within three years, traditional varieties take five to six years to reach maturity.
First Piper 