Govt increases copra MSP by Rs 75/qtl

The government today said it has increased the minimum support price (MSP) for copra by Rs 75 per quintal for the 2011 season, a measure aimed at increasing coconut production in the country.

The decision was taken at the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on the recommendations of on recommendations Commission for Agricultural Cost and Prices (CACP).

While the MSP for fair average quality of milling copra has been fixed at Rs 4,525 per quintal, those for Ball copra will be Rs 4,775 per quintal, according to an official release. 

"This represents an increase of Rs 75 per quintal for both Milling and Ball Copra over the MSP announced by the government last season," the release said.

The government said that the increase in the MSP of Copra is expected to encourage the farmers to step up investment in coconut cultivation, which would help in increasing production and productivity of coconut in the country.

The National Agriculture Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) would continue to act as the nodal agency to undertake price support operation at minimum support prices in the coconut growing states.