Govt committed to promoting coconut cultivation in Bihar: Min

The government is committed to promoting coconut cultivation in Bihar and about 50,000 hectares of potential area is available in the state to grow the crop, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said today.
In Bihar, coconut is grown in 14,900 hectares producing 141.38 million nuts, an official statement said.
Stating that the central government is bound to promote the coconut cultivation and related activities in Bihar, he said since 2014 a total amount of Rs 409.06 lakhs has been sanctioned for implementing the schemes on Coconut cultivation in Bihar.
The Centre would strengthen coconut cultivation and industry in the state, he said, while speaking at the occasion of foundation stone laying ceremony of Farmers Training Centre and Regional Office building at Patna on the 37th Foundation day of Coconut Development Board.

The Coconut Development Board was established on 12 January 1981.
Singh said India is the global leader in production and productivity of coconut.

Coconut is cultivated in 16 states and three union territories in 2.14 million hectares. The crop sustains more than one crore farmer families of the country through cultivation, processing, marketing and trade related activities.
Singh said Kosi region in North Bihar which comprises places on either sides of the Kosi river is suitable for coconut cultivation.
"It is estimated that nearly 50,000 hectares of potential area in Bihar is available for coconut cultivation, mainly in North Bihar under irrigated condition," he said.

The minister said the Coconut Development Board aims to equip the coconut farmers in production, processing, marketing and export of coconut and its value added products thus making India the world leader in production, productivity, processing for value addition and export of coconut.
Bihar belongs to nontraditional coconut cultivated area and special focus is being given for development of coconut sector in the state.