Kerala: CDB submits coconut rejuvenation project

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 14: The Coconut Development Board (CDB) has submitted to the Union Government a coconut rejuvenation project envisaging rehabilitation of coconut palms in 4.56 lakh hectares, CDB Chairperson Minnie Mathew said.

Addressing a news conference here yesterday, she said under the project subsidy would be given to coconut growers for replanting hybrid seedlings after removing 25 to 30 year-old palms, majority of them in Kerala.

Ms Mathew said an intense campaign would be undertaken to popularise coconut oil use the consumption of which had come down following the wrong propaganda that saturated fat in coconut oil elevated blood total Cholesterol.

She said scientists from the Harward Medical School and Maryland University in the United States had reported the unique qualities of coconut oil as a dietary fat. Studies conducted by the biochemistry department of the University of Kerala, had also found that coconut oil is a beneficial dietary oil and it does not contribute to any of the risks factors involved in coronary artery disease.

Increased use of palm oil was another reason for the decline in the consumption of coconut oil. Palm oil import had doubled to 98,000 tonnes during 2004-05 from 43,000 tonnes in the previous year, she said.

The CDB is organising a national-level Coconut Festival here from May three to create awareness on the various technologies available in coconut processing and its by-products.

The four-day festival aimed at attracting investment in the coconut sector and widening the market for coconut products by creating consumer awareness.

Progressive farmers, processors, potential entrepreneurs, scientists, extension workers, policymakers, machinery manufacturers and technologists from various parts of the country are expected to participate in the festival.

An exhibition and seminars on different topics relating to coconut development will also be held as part of the festival.

UNI