Coconut prices surge amid labour shortage

By Shyam Sundar Vattam

CH NEWS

Coconut farm owners are reaping the benefits as coconut prices have risen, with medium-sized coconuts now costing over Rs 50. Traders predict further price hikes due to a severe labour shortage, with many growers opting to sell tender coconuts rather than mature ones.

Over the past few months, prices have steadily increased. Growers prefer harvesting tender coconuts, which fetch Rs 25–30 each, instead of waiting nearly a year for mature coconuts. Key coconut-growing regions like Tiptur, Hassan, Mandya, Ramanagara, and Tumakuru have shifted to tender coconut production, causing a sharp decline in mature coconut supply.

Currently, large coconuts cost Rs 55–60, up from Rs 35–40 last year. Karnataka-grown coconuts are in high demand in neighbouring states due to their superior quality. With reduced market arrivals, those with existing coconut stock are profiting. Prices peaked during recent festivals, forcing consumers to pay higher prices.

The surge in coconut prices is impacting weddings, where distributing coconuts to guests is a tradition. Many are opting for alternatives like oranges or sweet lime (mosambi) due to the inflated prices. Small coconuts, which used to cost Rs 10–12, are now priced at Rs 25–30, but the quality has decreased as most are harvested prematurely.

Tender coconuts are also being shipped daily to Mumbai, where they sell for Rs 70–80. In Bengaluru and Mysuru, they cost Rs 50–60 during the summer. While prices may ease during the rainy season, the current trend reflects a "Coconut Raj" in Karnataka.

Wholesale vendor Mahesh Prasad noted that due to limited stock, coconuts are now transported in mini vehicles instead of large truckloads. The labour shortage, influenced by government welfare schemes, has made climbing trees to harvest coconuts less appealing to workers.