Navigating the Challenges Faced by Coconut Producer Companies in Kerala for a Sustainable Production

Kerala’s coconut farming ecosystem represents a critical agricultural sector confronting multifaceted challenges across technical, economic, marketing, socio-personal, and administrative dimensions. With 90% of national coconut production concentrated in southern Indian states and Kerala accounting for 45% of production, the study reveals significant barriers faced by 29 registered coconut producer companies and 7,233 coconut producers societies. Key challenges include drastic price fluctuations, insufficient minimum support prices, fragmented landholdings, limited market access, inadequate government scheme awareness, high initial investment requirements, excessive market intermediaries, poor farmer risk-taking abilities, and administrative inefficiencies. The research, employing the Garrett ranking method, systematically analyzes these constraints, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive transformation strategy that integrates technological innovations, targeted financial support, transparent marketing mechanisms, capacity-building programs, and administrative reforms. By adopting an integrated, farmer-centric approach emphasizing digital platforms, localized solutions, and collaborative governance, the study aims to empower coconut producers, enhance agricultural resilience, and create sustainable pathways for economic development in Kerala’s vulnerable agricultural landscape.