India’s coconut sector emerges as a global growth engine, supporting 30 million livelihoods and expanding value-added exports
- IBEF
- August 19, 2026
India’s coconut sector is evolving from a traditional farming activity into a diversified, export-oriented industry supporting the livelihoods of nearly 30 million people, including around 10 million farmers. India ranks first globally in coconut production, accounting for 31.24% of global production, and produced around 20,301.22 million nuts in 2024-25 from 2.19 million hectares. The sector’s export performance has also strengthened, with coconut product exports rising 62% to Rs. 7,038.35 crore (US$ 794.70 million) in FY26, from Rs. 4,349.03 crore in the previous year. The export basket has expanded beyond traditional products to include virgin coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut water, activated carbon, fresh and frozen coconut, copra and other value-added products. The Coconut Development Board, which works towards the integrated development of the coconut industry, had registered 8,700 coconut product exporters by July 31, 2026.
Government initiatives are focused on strengthening production, productivity, farmer incomes and value addition across the coconut value chain. During 2025-26, Rs. 147.21 crore (US$ 16.65 million) was released for activities under the Coconut Development Board, while 11 Demonstration cum Seed Production Farms produced 2.41 lakh quality seedlings. Around 2,175 hectares were brought under new coconut cultivation during 2025-26, with Rs. 632.77 lakh (US$ 0.72 million) provided for plantation establishment and maintenance. The Productivity Improvement through Coconut-based Cropping System covered 18,800 hectares, benefiting 48,696 farmers, while the Replanting and Rejuvenation of Coconut Gardens programme has covered 25,517 hectares over five years. The Union Budget 2026-27 also announced the Coconut Promotion Scheme as part of a Rs. 350 crore allocation for high-value agriculture, supporting quality planting material, plantation expansion, rejuvenation, crop-health management and integrated processing. These measures are expected to strengthen rural livelihoods, encourage entrepreneurship and position India as a leading global supplier of value-added coconut and coir products.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.
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