Coconut Development Board (CDB)

Introduction:

The Coconut Development Board (CDB) is an organization under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, established with the goal of promoting the cultivation, processing, and marketing of coconuts and coconut products in India. The CDB's mandate is to ensure the overall development of the coconut industry, which is a vital part of the Indian agricultural economy, particularly in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. The board supports farmers, processors, and exporters in improving productivity, ensuring quality standards, and expanding the market reach of coconut products both domestically and internationally.

Constitution:

CDB is constituted as a statutory body established under the Coconut Development Board Act, 1979. It functions under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and is managed by a Chairperson and a team of directors appointed by the government. The board comprises representatives from various coconut-growing states, agricultural experts, and members from the coconut industry. It coordinates activities related to coconut cultivation, research, export promotion, and training for farmers and stakeholders in the coconut industry.

Legal Framework:

The Coconut Development Board operates within the framework of the Coconut Development Board Act, 1979, which defines the board’s objectives and functions. The board adheres to the policies and guidelines established by the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Commerce & Industry, in coordination with other government bodies, to improve the production, processing, and export of coconut and its products. CDB ensures compliance with national agricultural policies, export-import (EXIM) policies, and quality standards set by international bodies.

Functions:

The core functions of the Coconut Development Board include:

1. Promotion of Coconut Cultivation: CDB works towards enhancing the productivity and quality of coconut farming. It encourages the adoption of modern agricultural practices, high-yielding varieties, and organic farming techniques.
2. Research and Development: The board supports research on improving coconut varieties, pest control, disease management, and sustainable farming practices. It also conducts studies on the various uses and by-products of coconut, including coconut oil, copra, and fiber.
3. Training and Capacity Building: CDB provides training to coconut farmers on modern farming techniques, crop management, harvesting practices, and post-harvest processing. The board also conducts awareness programs to educate farmers on best practices for sustainability and increasing productivity.
4. Processing and Value Addition: CDB encourages the establishment of processing units for coconut products, such as coconut oil, desiccated coconut, coconut milk, coir, and other by-products. It promotes value-added products to increase the economic returns from coconut farming.
5. Export Promotion: The board plays an active role in promoting coconut and coconut-based products in the international markets. It supports exporters by providing information, assistance with trade fairs, and ensuring compliance with international standards.
6. Market Development: The CDB assists in creating a structured market for coconut products, both within India and globally. It helps increase domestic consumption of coconut products by running awareness campaigns.
7. Support to Farmers: CDB provides financial assistance, subsidies, and support schemes to coconut farmers to improve productivity, implement farm mechanization, and increase the income generated from coconut farming.
8. Sustainability and Environmental Practices: The board promotes eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural practices in coconut farming, focusing on soil health management, water conservation, and minimizing the environmental impact of farming practices.
9. Promotion of Coir Industry: CDB also focuses on promoting the coir industry, which is based on the husk of coconuts. The board helps in the development of coir products and improving the livelihoods of coir workers in rural areas.

Schemes: CDB offers several schemes to help coconut farmers and coconut product manufacturers:

1. National Coconut Nursery Scheme: This scheme aims to support the production of high-yielding coconut seedlings through nurseries to improve productivity in coconut cultivation.
2. Coconut Palm Insurance Scheme: The board provides insurance for coconut palms to safeguard farmers against losses due to natural calamities such as droughts, floods, or storms.
3. Replanting and Rejuvenation of Coconut Gardens: Under this scheme, CDB assists farmers with the replanting of old coconut trees and rejuvenating coconut gardens to boost coconut production.
4. Coir Development Schemes: These schemes focus on providing financial assistance to coir industries for the establishment of new units, improvement of technology, and the development of export-oriented coir products.
5. Integrated Farming System (IFS) for Coconut: This scheme helps integrate coconut cultivation with other agricultural activities such as livestock, vegetables, and fruits, improving farm income through diversified activities.
6. Subsidy for Processing Units: The board provides financial assistance and subsidies to establish coconut processing units, which manufacture products like coconut oil, desiccated coconut, coconut milk, and coir.
7. Promotion of Coconut Export: CDB supports coconut exporters by offering financial assistance for participation in international trade fairs, establishing business contacts, and accessing new markets abroad.
8. Coir Board Marketing and Promotional Scheme: This scheme encourages the marketing of coir products globally and provides financial support to improve the competitiveness of the coir industry.

Products:  Coconut has a wide range of products, many of which have both domestic and international markets. Some key coconut products promoted by the CDB include:

1. Coconut Oil: Used in cooking, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, coconut oil is one of the most important products derived from coconut.
2. Copra: Dried coconut meat, which is processed to extract coconut oil. It is a key agricultural commodity.
3. Desiccated Coconut: Dried, shredded coconut used in confectioneries, baked goods, and various food items.
4. Coconut Milk and Cream: Used in cooking and as a base for various food products, especially in tropical and Asian cuisines.
5. Coconut Water: A popular beverage, especially for hydration and health purposes.
6. Coir: Fibrous husk of the coconut used to make mats, ropes, brushes, mattresses, and other products. Coir is an important export product for India.
7. Coconut Shell Products: Products such as handicrafts, buttons, and charcoal made from coconut shells.
8. Coconut Peat: A by-product of the coconut husk used as a growing medium in horticulture and gardening.
9. Coconut-based Cosmetics and Health Products: CDB supports the development of personal care products, such as coconut-based soaps, shampoos, and lotions.

Services: CDB offers a range of services to coconut farmers, processors, and exporters:

1. Financial Assistance and Subsidies: The board provides grants, subsidies, and loans to coconut farmers and coconut product manufacturers to improve their production processes and expand their businesses.
2. Market Development and Trade Promotion: CDB helps coconut producers by providing information on international trade regulations, organizing international trade exhibitions, and identifying export markets for coconut products.
3. Technical Assistance and Training: The board offers guidance and training to farmers and entrepreneurs on modern agricultural techniques, coconut processing technologies, and quality control standards.
4. Research and Development: CDB conducts research on improving coconut yield, processing methods, and product development. It also promotes innovation in the industry.
5. Consultancy Services: The board offers consultancy services to coconut-based businesses, helping them meet international standards and expand their reach in global markets.
6. Awareness Campaigns: CDB runs campaigns to raise awareness about the benefits of coconuts and coconut products and to promote their consumption both within India and abroad.

Membership:

To become a member of the Coconut Development Board, individuals or businesses must meet certain criteria, which include:

1. Eligibility: The membership is open to coconut farmers, processors, coir industry units, exporters, and other stakeholders in the coconut sector.
2. Application: Interested parties can apply for membership by submitting an application form along with required documents such as proof of business operations, farmer registration, or certification for coconut-related activities.
3. Benefits: Members enjoy access to government schemes, technical assistance, training programs, market development support, and participation in trade fairs and exhibitions.
4. Membership Fees: The fees for membership vary depending on the type and size of the business or entity.

Website Link: https://coconutboard.gov.in//

Conclusion:

The Coconut Development Board (CDB) plays a critical role in supporting the coconut industry in India, helping farmers, processors, and exporters to enhance productivity, adopt innovative technologies, and expand their market reach. Through its focus on cultivation, processing, value addition, research, and export promotion, CDB has been instrumental in transforming India into one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of coconut products. The board’s efforts to support sustainable practices, encourage value addition, and promote coconut-based industries have contributed significantly to the economic development of coconut-growing regions and the overall growth of the coconut sector in India.