Chilled Coconectar to hit market in September

Kozhikode, May 7: To give tough competition to Multinational cola majors, a Kerala based co-operative body is all set to market chilled 'Coconectar' (coconut water) by September at a comparatively lower price.

Talking to UNI, Agriculture Wholesale Market (AWM) Secretary and Chief Executive Officer R Venugopal said the Coconut Development Authority(CDA) had already accorded approval for a Rs 32 lakh coconut processing venture.

Market trial of the product, also known as 'Ilaneer' in local parlance, conducted at various hospitals had evoked tremendous response with people expressing willingness to pay even a little more than the proposed price of Rs ten per unit, he said.

Mr Venugopal said his organisation has made elaborate arrangements for making the raw material available with formation of a farmers cluster, numbering about 600.

The distribution and sales of the product, would be through kiosk operated by Kudumbasree with active support of the AWM. In addition to that, the product would be made available at various hospitals, hotels and the railway station in the city, providing job opportunities to 120 people initially, he said.

He said in the beginning the AWM plans to market 5000 nuts and would increase the quantity gradually, adding that, the body was prepared to share the knowhow to those willing to foray into similar ventures.

The processed product will have a shelf-life of 24 days, paving way for vast export potential, Mr Venugopal added.

He said the AWM had already received enquries from West Asia for supply of the product, but held it in abeyance for the time being.

The AWM, would be able to entertain such request by next year after ensuring free supply of raw tender coconut, he added.

Out of the total project cost, Rs 18.17 lakh has been given by the CDA as grant and the rest would be borne by farmers and traders, he said.

Apart from creating new job avenues, the venture would provide an alternative option for farmers, hit hard in the wake of globalisation, opening gates for traders from countries like Sri Lanka and Malaysia, he added.

UNI