RUBCO, a Rs. 280 crore co-operative set-up envisages establishment of 100 co-operative coconut processing units in Kerala, to start with for the project.
This will be increased to 200 units subsequently for the production of coconut oil directly from green coconut nuts with out going through conventional copra or milk route.
The project envisages to adopt process methodology commonly known as direct micro expelling (DME) technology.
The project also proposes to set up a centralised packaging-cum-marketing unit for virgin coconut oil manufactured by the co-operative processing units.
The centralised packing unit will be set up at Thalassery in Kannur District, easily accessible by road and rail from all other parts of the country.
Coconut oil extracted from fresh coconut kernel by DME technology is of very high quality and commands a premium price because of its use as a health product.
This is a highly sought after item as a health product and is used as massage oil and also as baby oil for massaging small kids.
Coconut oil is a much sought after product for edible use in the households and non-edible use as hair oil and as a cosmetic and industrial oil.
