India’s coconut industry continues to grow significantly, with a cultivation area spanning 23.33 lakh hectares and a production output of 153.29 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) in 2023-24. According to recent data presented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in the Lok Sabha, the sector generated a substantial revenue of ₹27,199.5 crore in Gross Value of Output (GVO) during 2022-23.
Andhra Pradesh: A Key Contributor
Andhra Pradesh (AP) plays a critical role in the coconut sector, accounting for 5% of India’s total cultivation area and contributing 8% of the national production. The state’s output has shown consistent growth over the years, increasing from 10.73 LMT in 2019-20 to 11.81 LMT in 2023-24, reinforcing its position as an emerging leader in the sector.
Economic Growth in the State
The financial contribution of Andhra Pradesh’s coconut industry has significantly increased. The Gross Value of Output (GVO) from the state rose from ₹1,814.15 crore in 2018-19 to ₹2,763.24 crore in 2022-23, reflecting its expanding market share in the national coconut economy.
Coconut Processing Industry in AP
India produced 12.94 LMT of copra (dried coconut kernels) in 2022-23, a vital input for oil extraction and other value-added products. Andhra Pradesh contributed 0.65 LMT to this production. While smaller compared to states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, AP’s coconut processing industry is steadily advancing.
Top Coconut-Producing States in India
India remains one of the largest coconut producers globally, with Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh leading the sector. In 2023-24, the production data for the top states was as follows:
- Karnataka: 50.08 LMT
- Tamil Nadu: 39.43 LMT
- Kerala: 38.94 LMT
- Andhra Pradesh: 11.81 LMT
Expanding Value-Added Products
The copra produced in 2022-23 was processed into 5.58 LMT of coconut oil and 2.79 LMT of oil cake, showcasing the potential of India’s coconut processing industry. Andhra Pradesh is steadily strengthening its foothold in this value-added segment.
