Cultivating Coconuts, Confronting Constraints: Production and Marketing Challenges among Coconut Farmers in Kerala, India

Abstract

Coconut cultivation constitutes an important component of Kerala’s agricultural economy, yet cultivators face persistent production and marketing constraints that affect its economic viability. This study examines the status, cultivation challenges and marketing practices of coconut farmers in Urgattiri Gram Panchayat, Malappuram District, Kerala. Primary data were collected from 85 coconut cultivators across 20 wards using a structured questionnaire administered through Google Forms and telephonic interviews, supplemented by secondary data from relevant institutional sources. Descriptive analysis using frequencies, percentages and averages shows that coconut is predominantly cultivated on relatively small holdings and commonly forms part of mixed-cropping systems. Major production constraints include climate change, limited availability of high-yield planting materials, wildlife and pest attacks, financial and irrigation difficulties, labour shortages and rising harvesting costs. Marketing is characterised by substantial dependence on intermediaries, price uncertainty, inadequate storage and transport facilities, and the absence of cooperative marketing. Although farmers demonstrate considerable awareness of value-added coconut products, their participation in direct marketing remains limited. Strengthening production support, cooperative marketing, market regulation and local value-added processing could improve cultivators’ economic prospects.