neera - a treasure house of untapped potential · neera per day, which may go even up ... neera...

Neera - a treasure houseof untapped potential

THEME

I N S I D ENeera for the revival ofcoconut economy ..................................... 2

Coconut Neera - the hidden unexploredtreasure .................................................... 4K Muralidharan and Deepthi Nair. S.

‘Keraamritham’- a health drink fromcoconut inflorescence sap ...................... 9B. Jayaprakash Naik, P R Suresh,Meera Manjusha, P V Balachandran,Madhusubramonian and PC Balakrishnan

Production of Neera and coconut sugardeserves encouragement ...................... 11P.K.Thampan

Coconut palms suitable forNeera tapping ......................................... 15Jnanadevan. R

Bio Beverage - Coco Neera .................... 17R. Hali

Indonesia and Philippines – a replicablemodel to grow sweeter with coconut ... 20Deepthi Nair. S.

Two Coconut Producer Companiesestablished in Kerala ............................. 24

Production of Neera ............................... 25Sunil A. Nair, Mejosh Jose, Regi J. Thomas,R.V. Nair

Focus on commercialisation oftechnologies to capitalise theopportunities for neera .......................... 27Jayashree.A

Lakshadweep realizes the potentialof Neera ................................................... 30Sasikumar C

Neera Production through CPS,CPF andProducer Companies ............................. 32

Recommendations ofNeera Committee ................................... 33

Health benefits of coconut nectar ......... 34

Our great green umbrellas .................... 35G.S.Unnikrisnan Nair

Black headed caterpillar spreads acrossVisakhapatnam ...................................................... 38

Tiptur coconut ravaged by pestsand diseases .......................................................... 39

News ....................................................................... 40

Karnataka farmers visited Coconut Development BoardFarm Review MeetingSymposium on NeeraExpert Committee for revitalizing the RegionalCommodity Exchanges visited CDBMeeting of the leaders of Thrissur District CPFKozhikode district Coconut Producers Federationleaders workshopFruit Festival-2013FoCT and CPS programme spreading across IndiaKrishi Fair 2013

Monthly operations in coconut gardens...45

Market Review - April 2013 .................................... 47

2 Indian Coconut JournalMay 2013

Dear Coconut Farmers,The coconut farmers are in a very precarious situation

for quite some time due to multiple issues beset with thesector. Frequent fluctuation and fall in price of coconut,severity of many pests and diseases, rocketing escalationof input cost, fragmentation of holdings etc. are a fewto cite. Coconut plantations were subjected to utternegligence and resultantly coconut farming becomes anon-profitable enterprise. When monetary value andprofitability are the criteria for nurturing crops, manyother crops made inroads and coconut is gettingsubstituted. In fact it is not a replacement of a tree but areplacement of a culture.

The need for reviving coconut sector has thereforebecome imperative and ways and means for a revival ison the agenda of all stakeholders and policy makers.Delinking coconut economy from the clutches of copra-coconut oil over dependency, coupled with developingand popularizing more value added products fromcoconut has been brought out as a viable strategy forregaining the lost glory of coconut. CoconutDevelopment Board is instrumental in advocating thismessage. Neera is the latest addition in the array of valueadded products which holds the potential to revitalizethe prospects of coconut farmers of India.

Neera is the sweet, oyster white coloured sap tappedfrom the ‘spathe’ of coconut. It is a delicious healthdrink, a rich source of sugars, minerals and vitamins.The most significant characteristic of the product is itslow Glycemic Index (GI is 35), an indicator of the extentof sugar absorbed into the blood. Foods with GI lessthan 55 are classified as low GI foods. The globaldemand for low GI sugar are on the increase and henceNeera and coconut palm sugar as the natural productcan fill up this gap.

A coconut palm yields on an average two litres ofNeera per day, which may go even up to 4.5 to 5.0 litresbased on the health and management of the palm. Neerais an unfermented drink which does not contain alcohol.But on fermentation neera becomes toddy. Therefore,neera production requires adherence of strict proceduresand cautious handling. Neera is the raw material formany value added products like palm syrup, palm jaggeryand palm sugar which are having high domestic andinternational demand owing to their high nutritionalvalues.

In India, coconut is being cultivated by ten millionfamilies. Let us consider the case of Kerala where existingcoconut palm population is around 1800 lakh. If aminimum of 1% of these palms are utilized for neeratapping, there will be 18 lakh palms for this purpose. A

Neera for the revival of coconut economyNeera tapper can ideally tap around 15-20 palms perday. Based on this assumption, employment potentialestimated is one lakh. Evidently this would be 10 lakh ifwe employ 10% of the total palms for Neera production.If farmers are allowed to produce Neera and its valueadded products, it can generate good daily return tothe coconut farmer and the Neera tapper.

The Abkari Act of Kerala (Act 10 of 1967) containsdefinitions which wrongly included the zero alcoholNeera into Toddy and thus as Liquor. Section 3(10) ofthe act say that “Liquor includes spirits of wine,arrack, spirits, wine, toddy, beer and all liquidconsisting or containing alcohol.” This statementemphasizes that any liquid which consists of or containsalcohol is liquor. Under Section 3(8) of the act “Toddymeans fermented or unfermented juice drawn fromcoconut, palmyra, date or any other kind of palmtree”. This is a contradiction. Unfermented juice ofcoconut palm is included under toddy even when it doesnot contain alcohol. This definition of Neera defeats theintention of the law makers since it gives a wronginterpretation of a natural nutritious health drink.

It is pertinent that the Abkari Act came at a timewhen food processing technology was not advancedand there was no process for maintaining Neera inunfermented stage. Now with the advent of technologiesit is high time that necessary changes are made in theAbkari Act which was conceived 111 years ago. Hence,amendments in the Abkari Act is the need of the hour.Otherwise neera has to be excluded from the definitionof liquor and clear legislation need to be evolved forNeera as a nutritious health drink.

Neera production in Kerala can contributesubstantially to the Gross State Domestic Production(GSDP). If 50% of the consumer price of Neera isoffered to coconut farmer, 25% to Neera technicianand remaining 25% towards processing, packaging andmarketing costs, it can result in an all round increase inthe incomes of all stakeholders. Neera can kick start awhole lot of food processing industries too. The exportpotential of coconut palm sugar made of Neera fromKerala could be double that of the software export fromthe state!

When 10% of the palms in the state is subject totapping, the returns from Neera to the GSDP amountsto Rs. 54,000 crores (Market price of Neera is taken asRs.100 per litre). The generation of rural employmentthrough Neera technicians is around 10 lakhs. The totalincome to the work force of Neera technicians throughproduction of Neera is around Rs.13,500 crores whilethe income of the coconut farmers is to the tune of

Chairman’s page

3Indian Coconut JournalMay 2013

Rs.27,000 crores and around Rs.4,050 crores isgenerated as tax revenue to the state through theincreased purchasing power of the farmers andtechnicians. This amount is more than the annual inflowof funds from the Middle East to Kerala which is roughlyaround Rs. 27,000 crores. The increase in GSDP throughNeera could be roughly 17%. Processing of Neera topalm syrup, palm jaggery and coconut palm sugar willadd more value to GSDP.

If similar provisions are made in other major coconutgrowing states, similar spurt in employment and incomeof farmers and workers is possible. Neera production ispopular in the states of Maharashtra and Goa and inUnion Territories of Lakshadweep and Andaman &Nicobar Islands. There is no legal ban on farmers toproduce Neera in these states and UTs. The Departmentof Horticulture, Government of Karnataka hasundertaken a pilot project for production and packingof Neera. Now the project is getting ready forcommercialization and retail marketing.

Globally Neera and its value added products aremanufactured by all the major coconut producingcountries except India. The major players in the fieldare Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Srilankaand Vietnam. The major export destinations are USA,Canada, Norway, France, Middle East, South Korea,Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Export of Neera andpalm sugar has shown a surging trend in Indonesia,Philippines and Thailand as a healthy natural product. InPhilippines, projects on coconut sugar were initiated asearly in 1995. Indonesia produced over 6 lakh MT ofpalm sugar in 2011. The production of palm sugar inIndonesia was estimated to reach 10 lakh MT in 2012.

While it is a matter of pride that India leads the worldin production and productivity of coconut ahead ofIndonesia and Philippines, it is disturbing that countrieslike Sri Lanka and Malaysia, which are far behind us inproduction have ventured into production of Neera andpalm sugar. Codex Alimentarius Commission and AsiaPacific Coconut Community (APCC) have developedquality standards for Neera and its products. Countrieslike Philippines and Sri Lanka have their own standardsfor Neera and coconut palm sugar. Also Neera doesn’tcome under the purview of the Excise Act and Rules inany of the coconut producing countries other than India.

Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL) andCentral Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI)have evolved technologies to preserve Neera throughthermal processing at a temperature of 95oC. TheRegional Agricultural Research Station at Pilicode underthe Kerala Agricultural University has also developedtechnology for the ‘preservation of Neera’ and theproduction of many non alcoholic value added products

like soft drinks. Toddy and neera are entirely differentproducts and of different qualities. Neera is neither asubstitute nor a competitor to toddy.

Formation of Coconut Producers Societies (CPS)was initiated by the Board with an objective to mobilizecoconut farmers and to establish grass root level farmerinstitutions for undertaking production, processing andmarketing of coconut. At present 3,536 CPS and 125CPFs are registered with the Board. Two CoconutProducer Companies are already registered, and manyare in the offing, which is perceived to be a milestone totransform the entire coconut sector. Neera production,processing and packaging can be undertaken under theauspices of Federations of CPS registered with CDB.License for Neera production can be issued toFederations of CPS registered with CDB. Neera collectedby the Federations through the member CPS can bebrought to a primary processing centre which is localizedwithin the district. Further processing can be undertakenat the level of Federations or Farmer ProducerCompanies.

CDB has advocated development of a set of skilledworkers called ‘Neera technicians’ for tapping Neera.Thus a new breed of “green collar jobs” can be created.Marketing of Neera and its value added products can beundertaken through the innovative marketing strategydevelopmed by the Board in 63 JnNURM cities.

Neera production will undoubtedly help to contributeto the GDP and also the rural economy of the country.It can generate rural employment and provide betterremuneration to coconut farmers and the Neeratechnicians. A community based planned production ofNeera and products like palm jaggery and palm sugarunder the auspices of Coconut Producer Federationscan bring into the market different value added productsfrom Neera and establish niche markets for eachproduct. The coconut farmers through their collectivesshall request the respective state Governments to initiateamendments in the Abkari Acts prevailing in their statesto facilitate Neera production by farmers.

Board is hoping that coconut farmers across thecountry will realize the potential of Neera, which is nota mere coconut product but a treasure house that canbring beneficial changes in the financial status of coconutfarmers. I request all stakeholders to realize this potentialand to work unitedly for making this happen during thisyear itself.

With regards,

T K JoseChairman

Chairman’s page


Coconut Neera - the hidden unexplored treasureK. Muralidharan and Deepthi Nair. S.

Director and Marketing Officer, Coconut Development Board, Kochi

Neera is dominating the pagesof the fourth estate for some timenow. The talk on Neera started inrecent times due to the price crashin the coconut sector which startedin the fag end of 2011 and hascrippled the coconut farmers of theentire country. Around 10 millionhouseholds depend on coconuteconomy and the setback in thesector has affected the income ofthe state drastically. Prospects forreviving the coconut sector wereexplored and Neera surfaced.

Lots of speculations andscepticism dominate the minds ofthe general public regarding Neera.Neera on fermentation becomestoddy. Coconut farmers who havebeen giving their palms for tappingare well versed with the healthbenefits of Neera from timeimmemorial and are known toconsume the same in theunfermented form. It is even givento kids and pregnant women.Traditional knowledge on Neeraprevailed even before technologydeveloped for Neera processing.

What is Neera?

Neera is the sweet, oyster whitecoloured sap tapped from theimmature inflorescence of coconut.It is a delicious health drink and arich source of natural sugars,minerals and vitamins. It containssubstantial amounts of iron,phosphorus and ascorbic acid. Theimmature inflorescence which isabout to burst is the stage at whichNeera tapping is done. It takes 12

to 15 days for the sap to exude fromthe inflorescence tip. Tapping isdone usually for a period of sixmonths only. A coconut palm can

yield, on an average two litres ofNeera per day, which may go evenup to 4.5 litres per day based on thehealth of the palm and managementof the garden.

Neera tapping requiresadherence to strict procedures rightfrom the collection of the first drop.This is because the sap on extrudingcomes into contact with air and theprocess of fermentation is initiated.Technologies have been developedby institutions like KeralaAgricultural University, CentralFood Technological ResearchInstitute and Defence FoodResearch Laboratory for arrestingthe fermentation process. Thecollected Neera is then subjectedto filtration, refrigeration,centrifuging, processing andpackaging. The processed producthas a shelf life up to one year. Apartfrom this, value added products likepalm syrup, palm jaggery and palmsugar are produced from Neera.

Table 1 – NutritionalComposition of Neera

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Total solids (g/100 ml) 15.2-19.7

pH 3.9-4.7 Specific gravity 1.058-1.077 Total sugars (g/100 ml) 14.40

Original reducing sugars (g/100 ml) 5.58

Total reducing sugars (g/100 ml) 9.85

Total ash (g/100 ml) 0.11-0.41

Citric acid (g/100 ml) 0.50

Alcohol in % nil Iron (g/100 ml) 0.15 Phosphorus (g/100 ml) 7.59

Ascorbic acid (mg/100 ml) 16-30

Total protein (g/100 ml) 0.23-0.32


Palm syrup : Boiling the sap undermoderate to low heat yields agolden brown sticky liquid with highmineral content which is calledpalm syrup. It is free from total fatsand cholesterol with a sucrosecontent of 50% and a glycemicindex of 35 GI. It can be used forhealthy food preparations, astopping on wide variety ofappetizers, desserts or beverages.It is also used in Ayurveda and othersystems of medicine.

Palm jaggery : Further boiling andcrystallization of the sap in mouldsyields palm jaggery. It is used as a

index. Low GI food findsapplications in proper control ofDiabetes mellitus and in loweringcholesterol levels. The GI of tablesugar is nearly 60 while that of palmsugar is only 35. Generally GI below55 is considered low. It is also goodfor weight maintenance preventingover weight and obesity. Theproduct has increased demand inthe domestic and internationalmarkets. It is a good substitute forcommercial sweetners available inthe market.

Potential of Neera products

We are living in an era whereconsumers are more conscious ofhealth and quality. If cost was thedeciding factor for purchase in the20th century; aspirations, health andquality decide the purchasingdecisions today. With healthynutrient rich products like Neeraand palm sugar, developing andestablishing a market space, both indomestic and export market offersimmense potential. The global

Component Quantity in mg

Thiamine 21.00 Riboflavin 432.00 Nicotonic Acid 5.24 Ascorbic Acid 11.00

Table 2 - Nutritionalcomposition of coconut palm

jaggery (in 100 g. )

Table 3 - Nutritionalcomposition of coconutpalm sugar (in 100 g)

Component Quantity Moisture 0.06 % Protein 432 mg Minerals 5.24 mg Carbohydrate 11.0 mg Calcium 18.9 mg Phosphorous 1.9 mg Iron 5.2 mg

sweetening agent for thepreparation of desserts, dishes andis superior to cane jaggery.

Palm sugar : Boiling the sap andpreparation of granular palm sugaris the value added product of thefuture with immense potential fromNeera. The application of this palmsugar is enormous owing to the highnutrient content and low glycemic

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demand for low calorie reducedsugar and sugar free products isincreasing day by day with theincreasing health awareness in thefood market. The increase in thenumber of people with obesity,diabetes and dental caries is alsoalarming and Neera and coconutpalm sugar can provide a healthyviable option. Neera and itsproducts are also rich in mineralsand vitamins.

As such by permitting tapping ofNeera and production of valueadded products from Neera willgenerate daily returns to thecoconut farmer and the Neeratapper. Daily income will increasethe standard of living of thestakeholders. Moreover thepotential for employment generationin the sector is so huge that in asituation when job opportunities inthe Middle East are dwindling withpeople returning after being turnedout from the Middle east, Neeratapping offers huge potential.

Apprehensions about Neera

Many apprehensions are invogue in the minds of theGovernment, policy makers, tradeunion leaders, general public etc onNeera. A major apprehension speltout during discussions was thatallowing Neera tapping by coconutfarmers will lead to alcoholicaddiction among the farmers andthe public. When Neera doesnotcontain any alcohol, there is noquestion of Neera causing alcoholicaddiction. Moreover, Neera can bescientifically processed and packedmaintaining its zero alcohol content.The nutritional and health attributesof Neera make it an excellent healthdrink. Consumption of Neera is inno way going to lead to alcoholicaddiction.

Coconut Development Board isspearheading the formation offarmer collectives called CoconutProducer Societies (CPS) in thedifferent districts and the integrationof the collectives to formfederations. These federations andCoconut Producers’ Companies canform the base for permitting tappingof Neera processing, branding andmarketing.

The way about in Neeraprocessing

Neera tapping is to be done in atransparent manner undercontrolled conditions. An ideal legaland administrative frame workneeds to be developed beforeimplementing the same. Thisdoesn’t imply that all 18 lakhcoconut palms are going to betapped from the same day. Neerais a potential product with manyhealth benefitting properties.Coconut cultivating countries allover the world are making use ofthis potential to make various valueadded products from Neera. Theprice situation in coconut is patheticdue to drastic price fall. The 10million farmers engaged in coconutcultivation have to be saved fromthis distress. When we have apotential product like Neera, whynot relook into the possibilities in

Neera tapping and devise a supportsystem for the same. This is thebase of the voices that advocateNeera tapping. Neera tapping andproduction, processing andpackaging be undertaken under theauspices of collectives of coconutfarmers.

Green collar jobs - Neeratechnicians

Neera tapping is a skilled job asthe skill of the tapper has impacton the quantum of Neera produced.CDB has advocated for thedevelopment of a skilled task forcecalled Neera technician for tappingof Neera. Thus a green collar jobis developed where the person canstay at home with his family, dotapping and earn incomes higherthan those obtained by the majorityof NRI in the Middle East. Trainingsof 45 days duration can be given tothe Neera technicians since yield ofsap depend on the skill of the tapper.Value of Neera tapped could beshared between the farmer and theNeera technician in a fixedproportion so that both thestakeholders are benefited and thesector emerges in a sustainedmanner.

Neera and the Abkari Act

Neera is a non alcoholic mineral

Under the Abkari act, the definitions are:

! 3(8) Toddy means fermented or unfermented juice drawn from acoconut, palmyra, date or any other kind of palm tree.

! 3(10) Liquor includes spirits of wine, arrack, spirits, wine, toddy,beer and all liquid consisting or containing alcohol.

This statement emphasises that any liquid which consists or containsalcohol is liquor.

! 3 (12) Country liquor means toddy or arrack.

This itself is a contradiction since unfermented juice of coconutis included under toddy even when it does not contain or consists ofalcohol.

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“The juice of coconut tree can be transformedinto a sugar as soft as honey. Nature created thisproduct such that it could not be processed infactories. Palm sugar can only be produced in palmtree habitats Local populations can easily turn nectarinto coconut blossom sugar. It is a way to solve theworld’s poverty. It is also an antidote against misery.”

Mohandas K Gandhi 3.5.1939

Mahatma Gandhi largely experimented with food;it was important to him. His personal diet wasvegetarian and consisted of 1 litre goats milk, 150gwheat and rice, 75 g leafy vegetables, 125g othervegetables, 25g lettuce 40g ghee and 40-50g coconutblossom sugar.”

These are the wordings inscribed on palm sugarproducts of different brands produced in countrieslike Indonesia and Phillippines for promoting theirbrands. We, in India, simply overlooked the potentialof this wonderful product.

Restricting tapping of Neerathrough inclusion under Abkari actand restricting the fundamental rightof a farmers is totallyunconstitutional, illogical andunjustifiable. Any farmer growingany agricultural crop has thefreedom to harvest it in the formwhich fetches more revenue to him,like mango harvested at ripe stage,rubber sold as latex or sheets. Thesame freedom should be extendedto coconut farmers also.

Coconut farmers are goingthrough a crisis related to price falland diversification to other valueadded products from coconut isthe only way out. Under thesecircumstances, Neera being a highpotential product, the farmersshould be allowed to exploit theprospects of this product for thebenefit of the sector.

In order to remove theanomalies and bring about justiceamendment in Abkari Act of thestates by excluding Neera from itsprovisions is the need of the hour.

The fact that the juice may fermentto produce alcohol also goesunwarranted. Fermentation andproduction of alcohol occurs inany fruit juice or liquids withstarch content.

CDB stand on Neera

Neera is a non alcoholic mineralrich and nutritious health drinkextracted by tapping the immatureinflorescence of the coconut palm.Neera should be brought out of theAbkari act since it is unfermentedinflorescence sap. Inclusion of a nonalcoholic drink like Neera under theAbkari act is not justifiable. Neera,which is non alcoholic is includedunder the definition of toddy in theAbkari act. Toddy is a fermenteddrink with 7 to 9% alcohol contentand is classified as liquor. Neeracannot be classified under Toddy orliquor. Neera doesn’t come underthe purview of the Excise act in anyof the coconut producing countries.Neera which was classified undertoddy in the erstwhile British Act

was later excluded since it was nonalcoholic. It is high time thatnecessary changes are made in theAbkari act which was conceived asearly as 1902. The technologicaladvances made in the processingand packing of Neera ensures thatit is maintained a zero alcohol drink.Hence amendments in the Abkariact is the need of the hour.

If still included in Abkari act,separate definition be made forNeera in Abkari act as a separatehead with distinct legislation forNeera tapping processing andpackaging. Scientificallyprocessed and packed Neeracan be promoted as anutritionally healthy drink.Consumption of Neera will not leadto alcoholic addiction as perceivedby the public. Awarenessprogrammes on Neera to beconducted throughout the states.Promotion of Neera should beundertaken among the commonman also since there is perceptionthat Neera contains alcohol.

rich and nutritious health drinkextracted by tapping the immatureinflorescence of the coconut palm.Though non alcoholic, it is comingunder the purview of Abkari act.Neera has to be released from theambit of the Abkari act.

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Neera and Toddy should bemaintained as separate entities.Marketing of processed and packedNeera should not come under thepurview of Abkari act. CDBstrongly advocates that Neeratapping and production, processingand packaging be undertaken underthe auspices of Federations ofCoconut Producers’ Societiesregistered with CoconutDevelopment Board. The nonavailability of palms for tapping ismainly because the coconut farmersare paid a meagre amount as leasewhich is not economically beneficialfor them. Ensuring a remunerativerevenue for the coconut farmer fortapping of the palms will ensureavailability of good, yielding, healthypalms for tapping, which in turn willresult in increased yields. Thescarcity of skilled labour for tappingis also a limiting factor.

CDB will facilitate submission ofdetailed project proposals for Neeraproduction, processing andpackaging and value addition toproduce other products by selectedfederated CPS based on thetechnology from KAU/ CSIR.CDB would facilitate formation ofCPS and integrating them to form

support for the preservation andpacking of Neera through KAU orDepartment of Horticulture,Karnataka to the entrepreneurialventures of the Federations andProducer Companies. CDB canextend financial support to theenterprises of CPS/ Federations/Producer Companies through thescheme Technology Mission onCoconut where financial assistancecan be provided @ 25% in additionto the support for processing unitsannounced by Government ofKerala. The process of tapping of

Neera till the processing andpackaging can come under thepurview of the act for preventingany misus. But processing into otherproducts like syrup, jaggery andsugar would be as per FSSAInorms.

The processing of Neera shouldbe done under the strict supervisionof officials of technology providersfor a definite period till the sectorand the process stabilizes. TappedNeera as such, should not betransported outside the districtwhere it is produced thus preventingchances for misuse. Value of Neeratapped should be shared betweenthe farmer and the Neera technicianin a fixed proportion so that both thestakeholders are benefited and thesector emerges in a sustainedmanner.

It is time we wake up and acttogether to pioneer ventures inNeera production and processingwhich will take this crop, theKalpavriksha, to newer heights.

federations andP r o d u c e rCompanies andselection ofeligible CPS/Federations forNeera tapping.CDB canfacilitate thedevelopment ofthe skilled taskforce which istermed asN e e r atechnician inassociation withKAU. CDB canf a c i l i t a t etechnological

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‘Keraamritham’- a health drink fromcoconut inflorescence sap

B. Jayaprakash Naik1, P R Suresh2, Meera Manjusha3, P V Balachandran4

Madhusubramonian5 and PC Balakrishnan6

1Associate Director of Research Coconut Mission, 2Professor, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, Nileshwar,3Asst. Professor, RARS, Pilicode, 4Director of Extension Education, Kerala Agricultural University, Mannuthy,

Thrissur, 5COH, Vellanikkara, Assistant Professor and 6Rtd. Associate Director(Coconut Mission),Kerala Agricultural University.

Kerala Agricultural University has developed methods for extraction of sapand its collection without fermentation and further preservation of it as‘Keraamritham’- an alcohol free product from coconut inflorescence (neera),and also preparation of Palm jaggery (Kerachakkara) and palm honey.

Coconut is one of the mostimportant crops of Kerala. It is usedmainly for culinary purpose (30%)and for copra 70% (ie., 85% foroil & 15% for ball copra). Only 2%of the nuts are used as tender nuts.However, given the high cost ofcultivation and low price that theprimary produce fetches, thepopularity of coconut is on thedecline. Arresting this fall requiresmethods to make the crop moreremunerative. Value addition andproduct diversification remain themost viable but least explored areasas the coconut is concerned.Amidst various possibilities like nut,copra, oil etc, the coconutinflorescence sap offer itself as anunexplored yet promising candidatefor product diversification in severalcounts like regularity of production,less time in realizing income,reduced impact of pest anddiseases like eryiophid mite, mahalietc.

Coconut Inflorescence sap is asweet juice exuding from theunopened inflorescence - the spatheof coconut palms by selective

cutting of it. The process is calledtapping and it is a traditionalpractice of almost all coconutgrowing places specially the islands.The origin of this practice is veryold and supposed to be as old acoconut cultivation. In communitiesliving in islands the people wereusing it for preparation of sugars

and beverages. The spathe beforeopening is selected for theextraction of sap called neera. Atpresent the juice extracted iscollected in earthen vessels andallowed to natural fermentation byyeast and juice transform to“Toddy” a non distilled alcoholicbeverage of specific odour andtaste. If the fermentation processesare arrested the juice obtained isvery sweet and nutritious and it canbe used as non alcoholic beverageand can be used for preparation ofpalm sugar or palm jaggery/palmgur. The practice of jaggerymaking is also common in manyplaces and in most of the practicesthey collect the sap in a mild solutionof slaked lime prepared from oystershells which is also a naturalmaterial abundantly available incoastal places. This is also atraditional knowledge of localcommunities.

But the jaggery made using suchlocal technology many a times hasbad physical properties and keepingquality. More over the residue ofslaked lime remaining in the producereduce its palatability and consumeracceptance.

Keraamritham: Technologies havebeen standardised for arrestingfermentation of neera and its

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ensured in this.

Nutritionally ‘Keraamritham’ issuperior to tender coconut water.The available total soluble sugars,vitamins and minerals are low intender nut water, say the totalsugars: 3.3%, minerals like potash :53.2ppm, Calcium: 5.78ppm,Phosporus: 11.8ppm, Iron:1.54ppm.

Kerachakkara (Palm jaggery/gur):

The process for preparation of‘Kerachakkara’, the good qualityPalm jaggery/gur with desirablephysical properties, from thecoconut inflorescence sap is alsodeveloped.

Nutritional qualities of ‘Keraamritham’

total inflorescence sap would be 18litres per day from 12 palms tappedby one person. From this,processing 9 litres as final productcan be obtained after processing.This can be made into 60 bottles of150 ml each. Being a health drink,one bottle could be sold at Rs.20/- .The total income per day will beRs.1200/- and it is Rs.36,000/- permonth. Farmer can realise one third

preservation as alcohol freeproduct (Keraamritham) underrefrigerated condition with akeeping quality of more than threemonths was developed. It is asuperior and delicious health drinkwith qualities and taste better thantender coconut water. There areample scopes for large scaleproduction of this by adopting theimproved packing and preservationtechnologies. The advantage ofKeraamritham (neera) over tendercoconut water is that one canmarket product of almost uniformtaste and quality which being themajor hurdle in tender coconutwater packing. More over dailyavailability of raw material can be

Nutrients Minerals Total sugar 15 -18 % K 90.5ppm Vitamin c 1.3mg/100ml Ca 60.0ppm pH 6.8 P 15.0ppm Acidity 10.0m eq/l Fe 45.0ppm Phenols 8.0mg/100ml Na 9.5ppm

E c o n o m i c s :Considering atapper could tap 12palms daily andeach palm yield onan average 1.5litres of sap perpalm per day, the

Estimates of establishment of a Processing Unit

of this amount as profit and theremaining 2/3 as tapping cost,processing, establishment andmarketing charges.

A palm can be tapped for sixmonths at a stretch in an year andallowed for the next six months fornormal tender nut or coconutproduction as a health restorationmeasure for the palm. Henceusually 20 to 30% of the palms infarmers garden can be used fortapping at a time. This will help thefarmers in getting higher incomefrom coconut garden by utilizingtheir palms for both value addedproducts like Keraamritham(neera), Kerachakkara (jaggery),tender nuts, and traditional coconut,copra and oil production.

In this situation of high cost ofcultivation and low price that theprimary produce fetches, thesustainability of coconut farmingsector is only through value addition,product diversification, improvingfarm level processing andincreasing byproduct utilization.

Processing Capacity 1000 litre per day Total palms (Covering 25% of palms from 15ha land area)

750 palms

Land area 10 cents for the processing centre

Building cost and electrification etc 35.00 lakhs Equipments (Refrigerated storage (room size), freezer, Refrigerated Centrifuge, Boiler, Autoclave, Carbonation unit, Vacuum sealing/ bottling machine, and automated frying pans, moulds etc., for production of palm jaggery and packing machines etc.)

52.00 lakhs

Mobile unit with refrigeration facility 10.00 lakhs (for collection from 5 km radius)

Other miscellaneous costs: 3.00 lakhs Total cost Rs 100.00lakhs


Production of Neera and coconut sugardeserves encouragement

P.K.ThampanPresident, Peekay Tree Crops Development Foundation,

MIG-141,Gandhi Nagar, Kochi. E-mail:[email protected]

Along the coastal belts of Indiawhere coconut farming is

concentrated, the farmers, ingeneral are small and marginal.They do not derive adequateincome from the small holdings tosupport the basic family needs norhave opportunities for other incomegenerating activities in their ruralsurroundings. The farmers whodepend exclusively on coconutculture are mostly underemployedfor want of coconut-basedprocessing at the farm-householdand community levels. Costeffective and labour intensiveprocessing activities assumeimportance in such a situation forwhich the coconut palm offers

many possibilities. One activity thatcould be organized in the coconutgrowing belts for enhancing theincome and employment of thosewho are directly or indirectlyassociated with coconut culture isthe production and marketing ofsweet toddy or neera as a healthdrink and a source of sugar.

Production and Marketing ofNeera as a Health Drink

The fresh coconut sap or sweettoddy or neera obtained by tappingthe unopened spadix of the coconutpalm is an excellent beverage anda rich source of sugar. In householdsneera finds application in thepreparation of a variety of

breakfast cakes and snacks. Beinga good source of baker’s yeast it ispreferred in such preparations as itimparts good flavor and fluffyconsistency to the cooked food.Unfermented sweet toddy or neeracould be promoted as a health drink.It contains around 16 percentcarbohydrates, with sucrose as themain constituent and small amountsof glucose, fructose, inositol andraffinose. It has a neutral pH, 16amino acids with glutamic acid,threonine and aspartic acid formingthe major constituents and smallamounts of vitamins. Theconstituents of neera in g/100 ml aremoisture-84.42; ether extractives-0.04; carbohydrates-15.16; protein-0.12 and ash-0.26.

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In the Ayurvedic medical systemneera is considered beneficial topregnant women and emaciatedchildren. Consumption of neera bypregnant women three or four daysin a week is believed to impart goodcolour to the baby. Likewise, dailyconsumption of small dose of neerais recommended for healthy growthof emaciated children. Techniquesfor preventing spontaneousfermentation of neera are nowavailable. Among the south Asiancountries Sri Lanka is in theforefront by making availablecanned sweet toddy in the domesticand external markets.

Tapping for neera to be used asa health drink and also as a sourceof coconut sugar is a viable sourceof income and employment for thecoconut farmers. Although it isencouraged in many coconut-growing countries it is yet to bepromoted in India. The onlyexception is small pockets in TamilNadu where the production ofcoconut sugar has continued overthe years as a traditional ruralactivity. The production andmarketing of neera and sugar couldbe successfully organized in themajor coconut growing states ofIndia for the benefit of the coconutfarming community.

The Economics of Tapping forNeera

Toddy tapping and the sale ofsweet toddy offer opportunities tococonut farmers for enhancing on-farm income and employment. In astudy on tapping conducted inKerala in 1998 by Peekay TreeCrops Development Foundation(PTCDF) the gross incomerecorded for 30 gardens wasRs.269,356 per ha per annum witha net income of Rs.139,661. Thedetails are shown in Table 1.

In a case study conducted in theVechoor Island, Kerala by PTCDFit was observed that the farmeremployed one professional tapperfor a unit of 20 trees. For the first15 days when there was no toddyyield the worker was paid a dailywage of Rs.150 for preparing thetrees. After toddy yield commencedthe average yield was around onelitre per palm per day or 20 litresfrom the unit of 20 trees. Followingthis, the yield increased to around2-2.5 litres per palm per day or anaverage of 45 litres from 20 trees.The wages for the tapper after thetoddy yield commenced were @ ofRs.4 per litre of toddy collected. Theaverage yield of toddy from 20trees was 1,200 litres for twomonths and 12,825 litres for 9.5months, totaling 14,025 litres. Thetotal wages paid to the tapper for

one year was Rs.58,350. By selling14,025 litres of toddy at the rate ofRs.15 per litre the farmer receiveda gross income of Rs.2,10,375,which left Rs.152,025 as net incomeor Rs.7,601.25 per tree per annum.As the investment on tapping knifeand pots was not much it was notaccounted for. The net income fromtapping was found to be 19 timeshigher than that from untappedtrees which were in the yield groupof 60-75 nuts per palm per annum.The opinion of the farmer was thatthe toddy yield increases with goodmanagement and that not only thenumber of nuts but the kernel out-turn per nut also increases after atapping period of two years.

In a field study conducted in thesame year the average yield oftoddy recorded for 68 palms was1.99 litres per palm per day. Thesepalms were assigned by the farmersfor tapping on rental basis toprofessional tappers and the rentalreceipt averaged Rs.56.47 per palmper month. In the surveyed area thepractice was to allow tapping for6-9 months in a year. If one-thirdof the palms in a garden or 60palms per ha are allowed to betapped for 9 months, the averagerental receipt at the rate recordedin the study will be aroundRs.30,500 over the tapping period.This income from tapping issubstantially higher than that

Table-1

Size group of gardens (ha)

Average size (ha)

Share of Tapping

and other activities on income (%)

Share of coconut

on income

(%)

Average gross

income per holding (Rs.)

Average gross

income per ha (Rs.)

Average net

income per ha (Rs.)

0.1&below 0.054 83 17 7,945 1,47,145 1,36,219 Above 0.1 & upto 0.4 0.213 69 31 36,394 1,71,134 1,38,600 Above 0.4 2.190 92 8 6,05,961 2,76,274 1,39,757 Total / Average 1.171 91 9 3,15,488 2,69,356 1,39,661


obtained from untapped trees. Theexperience of the farmers coveredin the study was that leaving uptoone-third of the palms in a gardenfor tapping will not cause significantreduction in the production of nutsbecause most of the palmsearmarked for tapping are eitheralternate bearers or poor yielders.They were also of the view that thetrees left for tapping at 9 monthrotation usually exhibit higherproduction potential during the posttapping phase.

It is possible to assign trees bothfor tapping and nut production. Thisis done by tapping only alternatespathes or by tapping only half thelength of each spathe and leavingthe lower half for nut production.The observations made in India andother countries show that 20-25%of the palms in each garden couldbe earmarked for tapping withoutcausing significant reduction in theannual production of nuts from suchgardens.

Production and Marketing ofCoconut Sugar

The production of coconut sugarfrom unfermented sap is a profitableon-farm activity and is encouragedin many coconut growing countriesfor local consumption as well as forexport marketing. The experiencein countries like Philippines,Thailand, Indonesia etc. is thatassigning palms for sugarproduction is much more profitableto the farmers than allowing to yieldnuts. In the Philippines the averageincome from palms set aside fortapping and sugar production is 7-10 times that from palms maintainedonly for nut production. In Thailandproducing sugar has been found to

be eight times more profitable thanproducing coconut or copra. InIndonesia the farmers areencouraged to leave upto 30% ofthe palms in plantations for sugarproduction. Tapping and sugarproduction also augment on-farmemployment. While 50-60 palms donot require more than 90-100 man-days for annual maintenance, thesame number of palms when utilizedfor tapping and sugar productionwill provide full time employment toone tapper and one or two womenmembers of the family.

Consumer preference aroundthe world is changing in favour ofnatural health foods. Coconut sugaris a health food and, as such, canbe targeted to both domestic andglobal markets. There is growingdemand in the developed countriesfor coconut sugar as an alternativeto refined cane sugar. Healthconscious people in India may alsoopt for coconut sugar if qualityproduct becomes available in themarket. In countries like Thailandand Indonesia sugar production isa popular household activity wherespecialized organizations procuresugar from the producing units andis marketed both in the domesticand export markets in attractive zinc

or aluminium containers. Theexport markets cover West Asia,Australia, New Zealand, U.S. andEurope.

In Thailand coconut gardensmaintained exclusively for sugarproduction are found in theprovinces of Samut Sakhon, SamutSongkhram and Samut Prakan. Inthese provinces the average size ofgardens is one ha where tappingcommences when the palms are fiveyears old. There are specialcultivars known for their highproduction of sap. In such palms thedaily yield of sweet toddy is up tofour litres and the tapping isgenerally continued for 10-11months. These varieties are Tha-leBa, Suricha, Sai Bua, Theung Bong,Kathi and Khi Kai.

In Indonesia production ofcoconut sugar is a popularhousehold activity in 26 of the 27provinces. According to a recentreport, in the Banyumas districtalone there are about 28,773 palmsugar making units employing about58,500 workers. Although mencollect the sap and lend a hand inthe molding process, the householdwomen take care of the processing.About 75% of the total productiongoes to big cities for localconsumption and also for export toSingapore, Malaysia and MiddleEast.

Apart from solid palm sugaranother useful product that could bemade out of unfermented sap istreacle or sugar syrup. The syrupis a golden coloured product and therecovery is 16% of the sap used. Itis a delicacy and its use is preferredas bread spread in place of fruit jamand a sweetening agent for specialbreakfast dishes.

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Suggestions

1.Neera Production

The production and marketing ofneera as a health drink has to bepermitted in the major coconutgrowing states of India whererestrictions on tapping is presentlyprevalent. Processing units forproducing canned/bottled neerashall be promoted in suitablelocations and appropriatetechnology for the same shall betransferred to promisingentrepreneurs. To start with, thepermission for tapping for neera,collecting, assembling, furtherprocessing, bottling the product andmarketing shall be given only tococonut farmer’s producercompanies under propergovernment control.

2. Production of Coconut Sugar

When sugar production isorganized as a rural activity underthe aegis of grower’s cooperatives,it could generate additional incomeand employment to a sizeablesection of the rural community. Itis possible to provide trainingfacilities to selected village youth inthe different states for palmclimbing, tapping and manufactureof sugar. The production andmarketing of sugar as a cottageindustry in the cooperative sectorcan ensure direct employment tovillage youth without genderdifference. To facilitate this activity,the state governments shall permitand encourage tapping for sugarproduction subject to restrictionssuch as that not more than 25% of

the bearing palms in a garden areto be earmarked for tapping andsuch palms shall have a restingperiod of not less than three monthsin a year.

When the production of sugar isorganized in the cooperative sector,adequate quality control could beenforced at different stages such ascollection of sap, assembling, boilingand conversion in to pellets, cubes,crystalline sugar etc. Apexorganizations may undertakeprocurement of sugar fromproducing centres and itspackaging, and marketing in thedomestic and export markets. Theexisting Coconut Farmer’s Societiesand Federations in Kerala could bedirect participants of theprogramme.


Coconut palms suitable forNeera tapping

Jnanadevan. RDeputy Director,

Directorate of Cashew and Cocoa Development, Kochi

Coconut palm is commonly regarded as an oil seedcrop of tree origin in India. High cost of production

and low profit is the main problem now faced by thecoconut farmers. Though several value added coconutproducts have been developed through R&D efforts,profitability of this crop still depends on price of coconutoil. The price of coconut oil is fluctuating widely and itsdemand is influenced by the availability and pricebehavior of other comparable oils. There is an urgentneed to make coconut industry profitable throughprocessing and value addition. Production of neera, ahealthy drink obtained by tapping the unopenedinflorescence and extraction of palm sugar from neeraare highly profitable industry in many other coconutgrowing countries which is yet to be started in India.Unfermented sap from young inflorescence called‘Neera, in India, ‘Raa’ in Sri Lanka and ‘Tuba’ inPhilippines has rather high sucrose content. Whileselecting palms for tapping neera, several factors are tobe taken in to consideration to get economic neera yield.

The yield of neera and sugar is highly variable. Itvaries considerably from palm to palm season toseason, and spadix to spadix. It differs with palmvariety, palm vigour and season. Naturally, the growingconditions of the palm and its vigour play an importantrole in neera production. It is reported that average

yield of sap per day with 8 months tapping per year inSri Lanka is 1.5 liter. The sap flow is closely associatedwith the leave’s water content and the internal watercondition of the trees. Neera yield will be decreasedconsiderably when the water content of the leavesdeclined. The sugar content also varies with seasonand sap flow. The yield of neera and sugar is adverselyaffected by low rainfall, particularly when the soil waterreserves are low and the palms suffer from waterstress. As the flow of neera decreases with increasingtranspiration, high temperatures and low relativehumidity have similar effects. Hence tapping is plannedaccordingly to avoid severe water stress period. Sapproduction is relatively high at night, due to reducedtranspiration and increased sap pressure. Once thetapping stopped, nut yield may show a temporaryincrease compared to the normal nut yield of the palmespecially in low yielding palms.

High yielding young and well cared palms have beenfound to yield good quantity of Neera. Neera yieldalso varies with variety. Talls palms yield more neerathan dwarf palms. Dwarf palms are highly suitable fortapping due to its short stature and high density of palmper unit area. The yield of neera will be less since thesize and length of spadix is short in most of the dwarfvarieties compared to tall and hybrids. But Malaysiandwarf varieties generally healthier than other tall mayyield more neera and prove to be ideal for tapping inview of the advantages for tapping. A good healthytall palm may yield up to 2 liter neera per day andhybrids even more. At a sugar content of about 15%,this would give a sugar yield of 300-400g per palm perday. In Indian conditions it is reported that a highyielding healthy tall tree under good management havepotential to yield 50 liters of sap per spadix during onemoth tapping. If six such healthy trees with long spadix

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is tapped for a period of six months, on an average300 litres of neera can be tapped in an year. At therate of Rs.40/-liter, the total revenue from a tree isestimated as Rs.12,000/- per year. If the tree is nottapped and the six inflorescence are left for normalnut production the maximum yield anticipated from sixbunches will be 60 mature coconuts and @Rs.7/-pernut the income will beRs.420/-. While selecting palmsfor tapping, care should be taken to select healthymiddle aged good palms for best neera yield. Lowyielding, root (wilt) affected old palms may bediscarded. However more studies are needed forselection of suitable varieties for neera productionunder Indian conditions.

Maturity and length of the spadix selected fortapping and skill of the tapper are other factors thatdetermine the yield of neera. A spadix tappedprematurely may burst open and become discolored.The discoloration starts at the cut portion. The samemay happen to a spadix tapped when it is over-mature.In both the cases neera production may be muchreduced because there will be a delay in thecommencement of neera flow. In India and Sri Lankathe mature spadix appropriate for tapping is identifiedby observing the swelling appeared at the base of thespadix due to female flowers within un openedinflorescence. The tapping process is essentially anart, and the results therefore depend upon the skill ofthe tapper. The technique consists of carefully bruisingand rupturing the tender tissues of the floral branch bygently hammering and pounding the spathe. After aboutthree days, about 5 cm of the apical tissues is slicedoff. The commencement of the flow takes place asearly as 5 days and as late as 32 days after the tip ofthe spadix had been cut off for the first time. Whenthe sap starts flowing, a container is placed under thedripping spadix. It is reported that the sap flow graduallyincreases and may reach a peak after 3-5 weeks. Thepeak may then continue for 1-3 weeks, after whichthe flow declines. The flow may continue for about amonth until the length of the spathe is reduced to alength of about 10-15 cm after repeated slicing. Theproductive period depend on the spadix length. Palmswith relatively low nut yields also have shorterproductive period of the spadix than high yielders. Toprevent sap fermentation after slicing, the fresh cut

may be brushed with some lime, or some lime watermay be put in the container. The most effectiveharvesting cycle is twice a day. If, for any reason thespadix is not sliced for a period of two days, a type ofhealing latex exudes from the wound which impedesthe sap flow. Two weeks of tapping will then berequired to recover normal sap production. Sometimesa closed spadix has to be abandoned. One or two days’rest for the harvester may lead to a production loss of15-20 days. It is therefore important that tapping beperformed by a team, whose members can substituteeach other in case of sickness, etc.

So in conclusion neera tapping and coconut palmsugar industry can be a welcome source of higherincome for smallholders and to make coconut farmingprofitable in future, especially in situations where copraprices are low. Neera tapping and palm sugar producingunits are to be established at suitable locations by thecoconut farmer’s collectives like other major coconutgrowing countries, Philippines and Indonesia. Thequantity of neera and sugar production varies withgrowing conditions; extend of management practicesadopted, varieties, age and climatic conditions. Henceit is advisable to select well cared middle aged highyielding tall and hybrid palms for tapping to get goodquantity neera and sugar. Malayan dwarf varieties alsocan be selected considering its short height advantage.However more studies on neera yield and sugar contentin different varieties in India need to be conducted.

When coconut trees are tapped for the purpose ofsap production, the tree's ability to produce coconutsfor various uses is not lost. Research conducted in thePhilippines at the Davao Research Center during 1988-1991 showed the viability of producing both sap andcoconuts in sequence in the same unopened spadices(stems) of coconut palms. This technology involvestapping for coconut sap in the first half of the spathe(blossoms), and allowing the remaining half to developnormally, ultimately producing fully mature 12 month-old coconuts. This research further revealed, thatincorporating this innovative new method increasedproductivity of sap and nut yields 5-7 times higher thantraditional methods.

Tapping for coconut nectar increaseproductivity of sap and nut yields


Bio Beverage - Coco NeeraR. Hali

The author is former Director of Agriculture, Kerala and former special consultant toM. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai

Globalization and emergence ofWorld Trade Organization have puttremendous pressure and at thesame time created awarenessamong the developing nations tointensify the efforts for finding outfarm produce which could earn fast,wide and profitable consumeracceptance. In this context whenyou hear that a coconut palm iscapable to produce sweet floral sapworth Rs. 50,000 annually, it is bothsensational and stimulating. A notso very impressive coconut palm at‘Cherthalai’, in Alleppey District,Kerala, like several others indifferent parts of the state, isproviding every day three liters ofsweet toddy or neera earning aminimum Rs. 120 per kit. ‘I climbthe palm thrice daily except duringa few days in the worst dry periodand bring down a minimum of threeliters of sweet toddy’ claims thirtyyear old sturdy tapper Shri.Anirudhan. ‘Though the palm isover thirty six year old, this has beensubjected to tapping for last twentyyears’, he said.

Shri. Anirudhan the tapper, Shri.M D Thomas, the owner of the palmand Shri. T. S. Viswan, the formerAgricultural Officer, severaltappers and trade union leaders

have more hope generatingexperiences to narrate. Before thatlet us have a close look at the superqualities of sweet toddy.

bronchial suffocation and piles.Even today a glass of neera beforegoing to bed is a ‘grandmas’prescription to pregnant women andyoung girls to make the skin colourmore charming. Unlike in the past,unfermented sweet toddy could bepromoted as a health drink astechniques for preserving neerawithout undergoing fermentation forfew weeks or months is available

The potential of neera as a nutritious health drink is widely

discussed and deliberated in recent days. Indian Coconut

Journal realised the potential and prospects of neera well ahead.

An article published in the November 2004 issue of Indian

Coconut Journal is reproduced here for information of readers.

Coconut phloem sap, thechoicest health drink produced bytapping the unopened spadix of thecoconut tree, is called ‘Neera’ inTamil Nadu and Kerala; ‘Tube’ inPhilippines and ‘Tuvak’ inIndonesia. Sweet toddy is rich incarbohydrates with sucrose as itsmain constituent. It is unctuous andcool in effect. Hailed as highlyrejuvenative in traditional medicinalsystems it is recommended for thecure of anaemia, tuberculosis,

now. Sri Lanka and Philippines arehaving coconut gardens maintainedexclusively for producing toddy.Indonesia is the largest producer ofsweet toddy for making jaggery andsugar. It is reported that Shri Lankais producing and exporting 1 lakhlitre of “Arrack” made out ofcoconut toddy. But the process topreserve sweet toddy for weeks isopening up opportunities for amassive and gigantic health drink orbeverage industry if exploited wellcommercially.


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One ‘wonder palm’, atCherthalai, produces around Rs.50,000 worth toddy every year, isonly one among several hundredsand there must be more palmsgiving even double the yield.Anirudhan, the expert tapperreveals that he climbs the palmthree times daily at 10 a.m., 5 p.m.and 8 p.m., but sweet toddy iscollected during the morning andnight climbs only. The afternoonclimb is to ‘tame’ the spadix forstimulating the secretion of moresap. But toddy gets during night issweeter. Shri. T. S. Viswan, formerAgriculture Officer and severaltappers’ union leaders are of theopinion that one could find out moresuch trees in Cherthalai in Alleppeydistrict though the area is prone tococonut ‘root-wilt’ disease.Scientists have not yet comeforward with a package ofpractices for boosting the yield frompalms exposed for sweet toddycollection.

Coconut Board of the UnionMinistry of Agriculture has donecommendable job for expandingarea and diversification of coconutproducts in India. Here again thetender coconut promotion deservesvery special kudos. But promotionof sweet toddy as a health drink isyet to gain momentum in thecountry. A lot of information isavailable with traditional experts inmedicine, farmers and tappers onvarious aspects relating to sweettoddy. Among coconut varieties, itis said that hybrids give more toddythan others. The palms of Palghat,Trichur, and Neeleswaram are veryprofuse yielder’s of sweet toddy.‘There are palms which give oversix liters of sweet toddy every day’claims Shri. Anirudhan. Rs. 240

worth of toddy per day is the yield.A tapper becomes an expert in thefield only if he has experience intapping similar type of coconutpalms of Palghat.

Even today toddy drinking is notconsidered as a good habit and thereare movements against the same.But ‘sweet toddy’ or neeraproduction and consumption arerecommended by Shri. A. P.Udayabhanu Commissionconstituted by Kerala Govt to studythe prohibition of liquor sales in thestate. The bigger obstacle for thepromotion of sweet toddyproduction and its sale was the lackof technology to preserve it withoutfermenting. Let us hope, a perfecttechnology on this will come to therescue of coconut growers.

Composition of Neera

Specific Gravity 1.508-1.077Total Solid (g/100ml) 15.2-19.7Sucrose (g/100ml) 12.3-17.4Total ash (g/100ml) 0.11-0.41Protein (g/100ml) 0.23-0.32Ascorbic acid 16.0-30.0(mg/100ml)

Coconut farming has beenfacing a threat of ‘root wilt’ inKerala, Tanjore wilt in Tamil Naduand the mite attack in the entiresouth India. Production is goingdown but the trade and labour arenot at all farmer and crop friendly.While consumer has to pay Rs. 10to 12 per coconut without its husk,the farmer is getting a cost of Rs. 6only. The labour cost is prohibitiveand farmers are not engaging peopleto harvest nuts and instead allowthem to fall. This affects the healthand yield of the palm in the long run.In this context promotion of tendercoconut and sweet toddy as energyand health drink will give a new life

to the coconut care and it mayrevolutionalise the coconut cultureand give a better deal to the coconutgrowers. It is high time to throw thecentury old excise laws forcontrolling tapping of coconut treesto the dustbin and declare sweettoddy as a raw material for thebeverage industry.

It is not at all difficult to identify15 to 20 million trees ideal for sweettoddy production from Keralawhere total population exceeds 200million. The country has over 400million coconut palms now. 10million palms are more than enoughto give sweet toddy worth Rs.25000 crores annually. The coconutproduction from the existing 1.9million hectares is only 1259 croresand its cost will not be more thanRs. 6200 crores. From this we couldestimate the huge value additionand the profit the farmer may getif he manages the situation. Thehuge employment it will create inthe production, processing andmarketing sectors will be verylucrative apart from the hugerevenue the government could mopup at different levels as taxes.

The most hearteningdevelopment is that farmersorganizations and scientists havealready detected the greatpossibilities the sweet toddy isoffering. The international coconutsummit held at Kochi hasrecommended that the governmentmay take quick steps to declaresweet toddy as a soft drink. Anothersignificant and specificrecommendation of great repute isfrom the WTO impact and studyreport submitted by M SSwaminathan Commissionconstituted by the Govt. of Kerala.The report is titled as ‘Building a

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sustainable Agricultural tradesecurity system for Kerala.’ TheCommission was chaired by M SSwaminathan, the great IndianAgricultural scientist who is atpresent the chairman of NationalAgricultural Commission forfarmers constituted by Govt ofIndia. The report specifically statesthat ‘sweet toddy may commandmassive demand potential and it isa health drink... Like in Karnataka,Kerala should lift all restrictions intapping coconut by farmers forpromoting diversification to sweettoddy and jaggery products’.

The report has two sections. Onesection deals with the action to betaken at Govt. of India level and theother deals with the things to beattended by the State Government.May be due to various political andother compulsions not much hasbeen done to implement therecommendations. But here againthe coconut farmer is the looser.Farmer’s organizations are alsosilent in urging the authorities toimplement the suggestions.Diversification and new productsdevelopment are twin paths to bedeveloped for the prosperity ofcoconut farmer and coconutgrowers. Coconut is now cultivatedin twenty states of India. It is lovedand adored by the entire populationof the country and is hailed as” Treeof Heaven”. If the sweet toddyproduction is transformed into agigantic health drink industry, it willemerge as the largest in theprocessed food sector with a hugeturn over and excellent exportprospects. Sweet toddy productionin Indonesia is stated to be so highthat annually they are producingover one million tonnes of coconutsugar. It is exported to Singapore,

Malaysia and Middle East and israted very high over cane sugar andused as a health food. Australia isa new market for Indonesian sugarexport. According to Shri. P. K.Thampan, Chairman of P K TreeCrop foundation Kochi, exclusivegardens are maintained in Thailandfor sweet toddy productionconnected with sugar makingwhere tapping of palm commencesat the age of five. From neera thenormal yield of sugar is almost 12per cent and from this we mayestimate the quantity of sweet toddyproduced to prepare and market onemillion tonnes of coconut sugar.Sugar is done as a cottage industryin the villages of Indonesia and sothe quantity used for drinking, as abeverage and making syrup are notestimated. It may be noted thatunlike India, beer is treated as a softdrink like coco cola in Indonesia andso it is sold freely in every waysideshop.

India is one of the largestproducers of coconut in the world.Due to pressure of palmoil andsoyabean oil available at a cheaperrate, the use of coconut oil for ediblepurpose is dwindling all over theworld. While India has theadvantage of consuming the entirecoconut produced, major coconutproducing countries like Indonesia,Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, etcare compelled to export coconut,coconut oil and copra as theirdomestic consumption is lower thantheir total production. They couldexport the above three items at acheaper rate to India if traderestriction is taken away as perWorld Trade Organizationconditions. This is really a threat tothe coconut producers whileindustry and consumers maywelcome the same.

Sweet toddy is nothing new toour people. According to thetraditional books of knowledge ‘thejuice of young spadix of coconutwhen unfermented is a sweet,refrigerant, aphrodisiac, diuretic,mildly exciting tonic and useful indyspepsia, diarhea, diabetics and forgeneral disability’.

When the palm in yourhomestead is ready to give you sucha heavenly health drink, the manmade laws that too proclaimedhundred years ago are prohibitingyou from collecting and using thesame. If collected and sold it willalso give you economic prosperity.It is happening in a state, wherefarmers, politicians and economistsare shouting that coconut cultivationis a huge loss and the golden periodof coconut is over.

God’s own country hails coconutas the ‘Tree of Heaven’ but so farhas failed to identify its mostpotential produce capable to showgreat monetary gains on itsgrowers. Neera from Nariyal couldbe made the most sought afterhealth drink of the nation suited forall seasons. If just one per cent ofthe palms are subject to tapping itwill give sweet toddy worth overRs. 10,000 crores. It is easy toenhance the income from palmseveral folds if the market too isdeveloped well. Read the strengthof the ‘Tree of Heaven’ through thesweet toddy and use the nature’sgreat gift to create sustainableprosperity to the growers and to thenation. Coconut is also termed as‘Tree of Plenty’ and the efficientproduction and marketing of neeraas the natures’ choicest bio healthdrink will make it a ‘Palm of everlasting prosperity.’ Time is ripe tocommence the great task.


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Indonesia and Philippines – a replicable model togrow sweeter with coconut

Deepthi Nair. S.Marketing Officer, CDB, Kochi

Coconut is grown in the coastalareas in most of the countrieslocated in and around the equatorialregion. India stands first in area,production and productivity ofcoconut in the world, but the extentof processing of coconut intovarious value added products isinsignificant in the country. Thoughcoconut has been cultivated fromtime immemorial and referred to asKalpavriksha, we failed tocommercially utilize themultifaceted benefits of this crop.Having ventured into a concertedtime bound plan for productdiversification in coconut, theCocotech seminar held in July 2013was an eye opener for the nationand entrepreneurs interested incoconut. It provided insights into thevarious avenues for processing andvalue addition in coconut and themost promising of them turned outto be coconut inflorescence sap andits value added products.

The health benefits of Neera, theunfermented coconut inflorescencesap and the production of jaggeryand sugar from the sap was knownfrom early days. Traditional systemsof medicine in India used coconutpalm jaggery due to its nutritive,medicinal and health attributes. Butwe never gave a thought ofcommercially utilizing the potentialof these products in today’s healthconscious world. As usual we nevergave a second look at the indigenousknowledge. This is where coconutgrowing countries like Indonesiaand Philippines excelled.

Coconut palm sap, jaggery andsugar were produced by indigenousmethods traditionally in Indonesia.Realising the potential of thisproduct, methods of productionwere streamlined and modified tosuit world standards. ThoughIndonesia was the first to ventureinto commercial production ofcoconut palm syrup, jaggery andsugar, Philippines moved one stepforward by organising plannedresearch on coconut palm sugar in1995. Actually, coconut sugar

expanding into an agribusiness.Once the processes were stabilized,research was directed towardsgood packaging. From 2004onwards, efforts were directedtowards promotion of the nutritionalattributes of the products in theglobal market. With the opening upof the economy, Indonesia andPhilippines were confident ofentering into the internationalmarket with focus on the healthconscious and quality consciousconsunmers in the developed world.The coconut sap sugar wasmassively promoted as a healthproduct through the efforts of PCAand by the Food and NutritionResearch Institute (FNRI) of theDepartment of Science andTechnology which established theGlycemic Index of the product. Afood product was categorised aslow glycemic food when the GI wasless than 55. In case of coconutpalm sugar it was only 35. This wasa major health attribute for theconsumers world wide, adding tothe other properties of increasedcontent of minerals and vitaminsand sugars in coconut palm sugarand other products from theinflorescence sap.

Rural cooperative partnershipswere the driving vehicles for theestablishment of coconut sap sugarbusiness in Philippines andIndonesia. As Mahatma Gandhi toldway back in 1939, the authorities inPhilippines and Indonesia maderural households and farmercommunities in villages make palm

production technology has beenknown in some coconut producingcountries like Thailand andIndonesia for over a decade. In1996, it was introduced in thePhilippines but it gained popularityonly in 2004. In the same year, thetechnology gained momentum as acommercially viable technology andbecame a small-scale enterprise


sugar in palm tree habitats. Localpopulations could easily turn nectarinto coconut blossom syrup, jaggeryand sugar. This method reducedlogistics and converted the highlyperishable inflorescence sap intoproducts with moderate shelf life likejaggery and palm sugar. Furtherrefining, granulation and packagingof the products were undertaken inart of the state manufacturingcentres to suit world standards.

PCA supported farmers groupswhich had the business skills andintrepid spirit to discover the profitpotential of making sugar out ofcoconut inflorescence sap. Today,these rural enterprises are touted asthe new agribusiness exploiting thepotentials of making it a dollarearner. A women’s group inAroman established the AromanNatural Food ProducersMultipurpose Cooperative. Withsupport from the PCA and the localgovernment, the cooperativeapplied their coconut sap sugar forOrganic Certification with thesupport of a natural medicinepractitioner in the U.S, who assistedthe group in marketing the productin the US as an ingredient for anutrient supplement.

Coconut sap sugar (CSS)production now has a niche marketand presently is in high demandlocally and globally as more andmore of its health benefits arediscovered by the scientificcommunity. This has led to theestablishment of cooperativepartnerships of village-levelproducers and enterprises with thePCA and local government units toenhance and support thereinvigoration of the coconutindustry in the country. Since then,the PCA and its research centershave conducted massive trainings

for local communities to shareviable technology to fostereconomic growth and socialdevelopment.

An added advantage of thetechnology is its simplicity anduncomplicatedness considering thatthis involves only concentratingfresh sap into sugar granules - achange in physical form from liquidto solid state. It does not requireskilled labor or sophisticatedequipment and is best adapted to afarm level or medium scaleenterprise. However, the process isvery dependent on critical factorssuch as pH, temperature and theextent of microbial activity of thenatural yeasts in the sap. Each stepin the process requires specificconditions such as neutral pH of thesap, clean materials during sapcollection and cooking, andcontrolled temperature during thepeak of transforming the sap syrupinto solid sugar form. This ensuresquality and proper formation of theproduct.

The lessons learned and sharedby the different communityinitiatives in Philippines andIndonesia are classic examples oflocal partnership between abudding business coconutcommunity and government and

non-government organizations. Itshowed that simple farmers canestablish their own linkages andnetworks in nurturing a ordinarybusiness into a big enterprise. Thiskind of partnership has madefarmers more aware of their socialresponsibility in their new businessand has learned to be moreaccountable in the production andprocessing of their goods.

Cooperative partnership, asexperienced in this coconut sapsugar production enterprise inPhilippines and Indonesia providesconfidence for the Board which isnow working through the FarmerProducer Organisations of CPS,CPF and Producer Companies.Working through farmercommunities together withtechnology application and adoptionby local communities, was apowerful factor in developing thefarmer groups’ self-confidence todeal with pressing issues inproduction, processing andmarketing. It also encouragedfarmers to integrate and closelyfollow the set technology protocolfor assured quality produce, andstrongly supported self-reliance andempowerment of farmers as theypursued new challenges in thiscoconut sap sugar agribusinessendeavor. As a result, it providedmore jobs to coconut farmers, notjust as producers of nuts and otherproducts, but as entrepreneurs witha defined business. It is interestingto note in this context thatestablishment of local units forcoconut palm sugar production waseven undertaken under the aegis ofFood and Agriculture Organisation(FAO) of the United Nations. In itsspecial programme for FoodSecurity in Asia, FAO initiatedprogrammes in West Java forcoconut palm sugar production.

Vessel used for collection of Neerain Philippines

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Coconut blossom sugar wasrecognised as the mostsustainable form of sugar byFAO. It was referred satiricallyas a tree that provides year-roundsustenance for the communitiesaround them, the only hazard beingunderneath when a coconut drops!

Neera and its value addedproducts are manufactured by allthe major coconut producingcountries. The major players in thefield are Indonesia, Philippines,Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka andVietnam. The major destinations areUSA, Canada, Norway, France,Middle East, South Korea, Japan,Australia and New Zealand. Exportof Neera and its products,especially palm sugar has shown asurging trend in production andmarket demand as a healthy andnatural product. Industries based oncoconut with vast economicprospects have been established tocater to the domestic and localdemands. Indonesia produces over6 lakh MT of palm sugar in a yeari.e., around 50,000 MT of palmsugar is produced per month. Theymoved through farmer groups since90% of the coconut growers aresmall and marginal. Big Tree farmsis the fore runner in coconut palmsugar production in Indonesia.Indofood and Unilever purchasedaround 30,000 MT of coconut palmsugar each in 2011. The productionof palm sugar in Indonesia isestimated to reach 10 lakh MT in2012. Even countries like Sri Lankaand Malaysia which are very muchbehind us in production of coconuthave ventured into production ofNeera and palm sugar. CodexAlimentarius Commission and AsiaPacific Coconut Community(APCC) have developed qualitystandards for Neera and itsproducts. Countries like Philippines

and Sri Lanka have their ownstandards for Neera and coconutpalm sugar. The Bureau ofAgriculture and Fisheries productsStandards in Philippines hasdeveloped specific standards inquality for coconut palm sugar. Forinstance Premium class is classifiedas Superior quality which has acolor of light yellow to cream. ClassI which is of good quality has acolour of light brown to brown.Class II includes those which do notfall in the above two.

Aroman cooperative by womenleads in coconut palm sugarproduction in the Philippines whileChivadi leads in production ofcoconut palm syrup. The exportprice for coconut palm sugar is inthe range of US$ 4.50 -6.50 perpound.

The global demand for lowcalorie reduced sugar and sugarfree products is increasing day byday with the increasing healthawareness in the food market. Theincrease in the number of peoplewith obesity, diabetes and dentalcaries is also alarming and Neeraand coconut palm sugar can providea healthy viable option. The lowGlycemic Index of 35 for Neera andits value added products offers apotential substitute for peoplelooking for sugar free foods.Coconut palm syrup, jaggery andpalm sugar can be put to a varietyof uses like in bakery items, icecreams, coffee, topping on dessertsetc as sweetening agent. In this erawhen Health is the new wealthwhich drives the consumermarket, promoting a nutritivehealthy product like Neera andcoconut palm sugar will rewrite thehistory of coconut sector in thecountry. Working through thefarmer collectives of CPS, CPF and

Producer Companies will ensureefficient production of the products.Let us move forward taking the cuefrom Indonesia and Phillippines andmake the coconut sector emergesweeter and stronger.

Comparative nutritional valuesof coconut sap sugar vs. brown

sugarElement (ppm or mg/L)

Coconut Sap Sugar

Brown Sugar

Nitrogen 2,020 100 Phosphorus 790 35 Potassium 10,300 650 Magnesium 290 None Chloride 4,700 180 Sodium 450 None Sulfur 260 None Copper 2.3 None Manganese 1.3 None Boron 6.3 None Zinc 21.3 2.0 Iron 21.9 12.6

Source: Philippine Coconut Authority Research Development and Extension

branch APCC standards for coconut

palm sugar

Parameters Value

Color Light yellow/ cream to dark brown

Odor Sweet pleasant nutty aroma

Taste sweet

Others Free from filth and extraneous matter

Moisture Content (%)

Cube/block: max 10 Granular : Max

Glucose (%) 2.8-3.0

Fructose (%) 1.0-4.0

Sucrose (%) 78.0-89.0

Ash (%) <2.4


Tropical palms are anecologically beneficial tree crop thatgrows in diverse, wildlife supportiveagro-ecosystems, restore damagedsoils and require very little water.Coconut palms are considered the“Tree of Life” by many traditionalcommunities throughout the world,as one tree can provide a multitudeof usable goods, such as; roofingmaterial, food, coconut water,building material and shade forcrops.

Reports by the Food andAgriculture Organization (FAO) ofthe World Bank show that CoconutPalms and other nectar producingspecies of palms are likely the

Environmental attributes of Coconut Palm Sweetenersworld’s most sustainablesweetener. Coconut Palms andother sugar producing tropicalpalms are nearly twice asproductive per hectare assugarcane and are a far moresustainable source of sweetenerbecause they grow in diverse, wild-life supportive ecosystems asopposed to huge mono-cropplantings. Coconut Palms can growin severely depleted soil (think of asandy beach!) and use very littlewater; In fact, not only do theyrequire such little maintenance, butthey actually improve soil structure,fertility and water conservation,thereby allowing marginalized landto become lush jungle over time.

Many traditional communitiesthroughout the world considercoconut palms the “Tree of Life”,as they provide a variety ofaccessible products from whichthey earn their livelihoods. Theproduction of Sweet Tree organiccoconut sugar has the single highestpotential for lifting these farmersinto a better life while creating anet benefit to their surroundingenvironment. Coconut palm sugaris not produced from the same palmspecies as is used for the productionof palm oil. Coconut palms producean average of 50-75% more sugarper acre than sugar cane and useless than 1/5th the soil nutrients forthat production.

Shri. Vijayanda Kaimal fromThuravoor in Alapuzha district of

Kerala, does notclaim to be ane x p e r i e n c e dfarmer, but firmlybelieves that neeratapping willdefinitely upliftthe farmers and

will revitalize the prospects ofcoconut farmers. On return to hishome town after retiring from theMinistry of Human Development,Government of India as theDirector, he was determined to bea farmer.

It is ten years now since he isinto farming. In his 40 acre farmland he is cultivating paddy andcoconut. Around 250 TXD andDXT coconut varieties are grownin his garden which is mostly 5-6year old. When the price of coconutstooped below, Kiamal gave his 35

Neera tapping, a viable source of income to farmerscoconut trees for toddy tapping. Onan average, a coconut tree yield 2-3 liter toddy per day and is beingsold @ Rs. 70 per liter. Eventhoughtoddy tapping gives better yield thancoconut harvesting, he isdisappointed that he gets only Rs.6.50 per tree per day while thetapper gets Rs.44 and the Abkaricontractor gets Rs.90.

Kaimal, recently elected as thePresident of Changram CoconutProducers Society welcomes theinitiative of the CoconutDevelopment Board inspearheading the formation offarmer collectives, the CPS andfederating them to CPFs. Accordingto him neera tapping is the onlyalternative for saving the coconutfarmers who are reeling undersevere price fall of coconut and itsproducts. He is happy that therecommendations put forward bythe Coconut Development Board to

the Neera Committee that Neeraproduction and marketing can beentrusted with Coconut ProducersSocieties, their Federations andProducer Companies. He ardentlybelieves that neera production, itsvalue addition and marketing canmake drastic changes in theeconomic status of the farmer. Therecommendation to have 50% ofthe income from neera productionto the farmer and 25% to the tapperis a positive step.

This degree holder fromJawaharlal Nehru Universitydreams of a day where the farmerwill have the right to fix the priceof his produce. Here the farmersare denied that right and the middlemen is exploiting the farmer. He ishopeful that the neera policy to beenacted by the Government ofKerala will definitely be anexception.

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Two Coconut Producer Companiesestablished in Kerala

Two Coconut Producer Companiesmade their kick start in Kerala.Tejaswini Coconut FarmersProducer Company Ltd. is a projectof coconut farmers of Kannur andKasaragode District and PalakkadCoconut Producers Company is aninitiative of coconut farmers ofPalakkad District. CoconutDevelopment Board has initiatedthe formation of Coconut ProducerCompanies (CPC) by associating 8-10 Coconut Producer Federationsin a contiguous area with aconsolidated minimum of 8-10 lakhpalms. The objective is socioeconomic upliftment of the farmersthrough productivity improvement,cost reduction, efficient collectivemarketing and processing andproduct diversification. A farmerequity contribution is also proposedto be mobilized. A matching equitycontribution will be sought from thestate Government as one timeassistance for making the CPCeffective.

Tejaswini Coconut FarmersProducer Company Ltd

Tejaswini Coconut FarmersProducer Company Ltd. is a dreamproject of coconut farmers ofKannur and Kasaragode District.This is the first producer companyregistered under CoconutDevelopment Board in Kerala. Thejurisdiction of the company includesKannur and Kasaragod District andthe head quarters of the companyis at Cherupuzha, which is the mainmarket place for agricultural

produces especially coconutproducts.

242 CPSs and 16 CPFs inKannur and Kasaragod Districtshave formed this company. Eachfederations comprises of 15 to 25CPSs. Cherupuzha, Alakkode,Udayagiri, and BheemanadiCoconut Federations are themembers of the newly registeredThejaswini Coconut FarmersProducer Company. Otherfederations of the nearby area willjoin this company soon.

The objectives of the companyinclude encouraging coconutfarmers for better cultivation,production and marketing so thatthe farmers get maximum price tococonut, production of organiccoconut, taking up value addition incoconut cultivation, exporting valueadded organic coconut products,neera production and its marketing,organizing FoCT programme,maximum tender coconutharvesting and production ofcoconut seedlings suitable fortender coconut, production of valueadded products from coconut husk,coir pith, coconut shell and timberand taking up research activities onpest and diseases of coconut andhybridization of coconut.

Palakkad Coconut ProducersCompany

Palakkad Coconut ProducersCompany is an initiative of coconutfarmers of Palakkad District,Kerala, India. Here 40 to 100

coconut farmers with about 4000 to10000 coconut trees in ageographically well-defined areaform a Coconut Producer Society(CPS). To be considered as afarmer one should own at least 10bearing coconut palms in the areacoming under the CPS. Eight ormore CPSs in a Grama Panchayator in a Block Panchayat areforming a Federation of CoconutProducer Societies (CPF). Theseentities are registered undercharitable societies act relevant tothe area in District Registrar Officeand then with CoconutDevelopment Board. The presentventure is the effort of nine existingFederations in the district.

The equity of the company isbeing mobilized from farmers. Eachfarmer has to take shares equal tothe number of coconut trees ownedby him/her. The value of each shareis one hundred rupees. The farmerscan subscribe shares by payingtwenty rupees. The rest may bepaid as produce or cash within thenext 24 months or eight harvestswhichever is earlier. The Companyis procuring coconuts, tendercoconuts and is planning to collectNeera (un-fermented coconut sap),palm sugar and other produce fromthe shareholders and to resell theraw or value added produce tovarious governmental and businessagencies through its own outlets.The produce collected from eachfarmer is proportionate to his/hernumber of shares.


Production of NeeraSunil A. Nair*, Mejosh Jose, Regi J. Thomas, R.V. Nair

Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Regional Station, Kayamkulam, Krishnapuram P.O., Kerala State

Amongst the 2,000 odd palmspecies in the world, only ninespecies yield inflorescence sap(neera) / sweet juice and of theseonly four general species are foundin India viz., coconut palm, datepalm, palmyrah palm and sago palm.The coconut palm, popularly knownas ‘tree of life’, is characteristicallya food supplier from its fruit,inflorescence and other edibleproducts. India ranks first in theworld in coconut production with aproduction of 10840 metric tonnesnuts from 1.89 million hectares; ofthese Kerala has around 18 crorecoconut palms and about 25 % ofthe palms could be spared for neeratapping.

Neera is a sweet juice or sap,obtained by tapping the unopenedinflorescence/spadix of the coconutpalm. The inflorescence of this palmis a source of many food products.Its unopened spathe can be tappedto produce inflorescence sap, whileits fertilized flowers or fruits can beprocessed to produce coconut meat,milk, cream, oil, water, flour,desiccated coconut, chips and natade coco. The sap can be processedinto sap juice / drink, syrup or honey,crude sugar or granulated brownsugar etc. In Philippines it is alsomarketed as an alcoholic drink (4.0-6.0% alcohol) or as ‘lambong’ ordistilled wine (24.0-45.0% alcohol).

Season and stage for tapping

Tapping for extraction of neerais mostly done in the dry seasonextending from November to Marchand in wet weather period fromApril to October. Dry weathertapping is done mostly in the lowlying lands where palms do notsuffer due to moisture stress duringdrought period. The spathe isconsidered ready for tapping whenthe inflorescence opens or is justabout to burst. The female flowerwithin the unopened spadix causesa swelling at the base and thisindicates the appropriate stage fortapping. Since coconut producesinflorescence regularly in thesuccessive leaf axils, tapping can bedone throughout the year. Neeracan be extracted from Tall palms,Dwarf palms and the hybrids andout of these the hybrids followed byTalls are found to be high yieldersand most preferred.

Tapping technique andcollection of sap

The selected unopened spadix iswrapped with fibrous chord ofcoconut leaf petiole along its lengthto prevent it from splitting.Inflorescence suitable for tapping istrained and it consists of gentleuniform beating all over the surfaceusing a hardwood mallet twice dailyso as to carefully bruise and rapturethe tender tissues of the floralbranch. Approximately seven to tencentimeter of the tip of the spatheis cut off. After three days thesurface appears moist due to oozingof juice. An earthen pot is just hungaround the spadix to collect theoozing juice. The tip of the spaidxis tied down with a string to anearby petiole or leaf. The dailyslicing of the tip of the spadix allowsthe sap to flow continuously andslicing is done once in the morningand evening. The finer the slice, the

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longer is the life of the spadix. Themouth of the receptacle is coveredwith a net to prevent the entry ofinsects, mice and lizards. Thecollected inflorescence sap isfiltered through a sieve to removethe foreign particles.

The yield of sap graduallyincreases and when it reaches themaximum, the collection is madetwice in a day. The flow of the sapfrom the inflorescence continuesfor about one month or even more.During this period, the secondspathe is also brought intoproduction.Tapping is usuallycontinued for a period of six monthswith a possibility of three spatheson the same tree being tapped atthe same time. The maximum yieldof neera is usually obtained duringthe third month aftercommencement of tapping. On anaverage a palm yields about 1.8-2.4litres of neera.

In Philippines tapping is donetwice a day. Harvesting ofinflorescence sap can be done inthe morning (taken before 8 am) forproduction of vinegar and in theafternoon (not later than 3 pm) forthe production of sap juice, honeyand sugar since sap produced in the

afternoon is sweeter than in themorning. To produce sweetinflorescence sap, it is necessarythat all tools and containers usedshould always be clean.

Preservation of the collectedneera (inflorescence sap)

Neera undergoes fermentationwhen exposed to sunlight. It firstundergoes alcoholic and then aceticacid fermentation through microbialaction. As the sap is highlyperishable due to the natural yeastmicro flora, the harvested sapshould be immediately processed bypasteurizing for 10 minutes at 65O

C in a large cast iron pan. Thisprevents the fermentation of thesap. Such hygienically preparedsap can be stored upto three dayswithout any change in its quality.The commercial neera available inthe market has an undesirableodour. Numerous methods areavailable for removing the odour,improving quality and shelf life ofthe extracted neera.

According to the methoddeveloped by DRDO, thermalprocessing of neera at atemperature of more than 95O Cand reduction of thermal stress by

addition of bio-preservative ‘nisin’at a concentration of 10 ppm wasfound to enhance shelf life of neera.A foil based multilayer packagingmaterial such as PET (PolyethyleneTerephtalate) / aluminium foil wasfound suitable to prevent adverselight. In order to increase theproduct appeal, the suspendedparticles in neera were removed bycentrifugation at 4000 rpm for 10min. The product as such withoutany additive treatment as well asheat processing was stable up to 72hr. When the product wasprocessed either by in-packpasteurization or through retortpouch processing, the shelf life wasabout one year under refrigeratedcondition and 30 days underambient conditions.

Taking into account the vastmarket potential of ‘neera’(unfermented inflorescence sap),Government should take measuresto accede to farmer’s demand fortheir right to tap and market neera.A favourable decision in this regardwill definitely benefit the coconutfarmers and make coconut farmingmore competitive, which isotherwise losing its market tocheaper oils.

The Neera Board constituted inKarnataka to market the valueadded products made from neeraconsists of representatives from theneera industry, i.e farmers, stategovernment officials and neeratraining institute. The key objectiveof the Board is to inspect andcontrol the quality of neera and itsproducts, give approval to labels andcome out with various schemes forthe sale of neera and it’s by productsin the international market.

In Karnataka, Khadi Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has

a demonstration unit for promoting Neera as a health drink. The

central government is trying to develop Neera clusters under the

scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industrial (SFURTI).

This will undertake programmes to help those who tap the Coconut

trees and has under its wings 50 co-operative societies and

institutions throughout the Gramodyog Sangham. The

implementation of this scheme is as part of the increasing

availability of the drink, with the aim of generating more employment

opportunities for the Tappers.


Focus oncommercialisation of

technologies to capitalisethe opportunities for neera

Product diversification and by product utilisation isone of the thrust areas identified by the Board forpromoting coconut industry. The CoconutDevelopment Board has been making several effortsto promote product diversification in coconut so as toreduce dependency on copra & coconut oil marketand enable coconut farmers to get more remunerativeprice for coconut. Promotion of Neera as Nutritioushealth drink has been identified as an importantmarketing strategy for ensuring remunerative price tococonut farmers. Neera and its downstream productslike coconut palm sugar, jaggery and syrup are someof the viable products for commercial exploitation toaugment income for coconut farmers.

The vascular sap collected by tapping the immaturecoconut inflorescence is popularly called Neera. Neerais sweet, oyster white in colour, translucent, high innutrititional value, and susceptible tonatural fermentation at ambient temperature within afew hours of extraction. On fermentisation, Neerabecomes toddy. Neera is widely consumed in India,Sri Lanka, Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, andMyanmar.It is a delicious and nutritious drink rich incarbohydrates with sources, minerals, vitamins proteinsetc and nearby neutral pH. It contains abscorbic acid,nicotinic acid and riboflavin. The drink is popular onaccount of its high nutritive value, delicious taste andagreeable flavour. Coconut sap is a sweet juice or sap,obtained by tapping the unopened spadix of the coconut

Jayashree.ASenior Technical Officer, CDB,Kochi-11

palm. The sap is extracted generally during the earlymorning hours. The tapping involves the extraction ofexuded sap from the inflorescence that yields sweetsap. The tapping methods vary from country to countryand within the country. The spathe is considered readyfor tapping when the mature one bursts or is just aboutto burst. The female flower within the unopened spadixcauses a swelling at the base and its appearanceindicates the appropriate stage for tapping. The yieldof sap gradually increases and when it reaches themaximum, the collection is made twice in a day. Theflow of the sap from the inflorescence continues forabout one month or even more. During this period, thesecond spathe is also brought into production. Thetapping is usually continued for a period of six monthswith a possibility of three spathes on the same treebeing tapped at the same time. The maximum yield ofNeera is usually obtained in the third month after thecommencement of tapping. The yield of Neera is highlyvariable. It varies considerably from day to day, seasonto season, spadix to spadix and tree to tree. The periodduring which the spadix yields Neera is from 27 to 33days in India. The studies on the yield of Neera haverecorded an average of about 18 litres of Neera perspadix for a tapping period of about one month. Trees,which yield a large number of nuts, have been foundto yield plenty of sap {Neera}. Such palms in Indiayield up to 300 litres of Neera during 6 months oftapping. On an average, the yield of Neera per palmper day is about 1.5 litres.

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In Tamilnadu, neera called as “Padaneer”, istraditionally extracted and sold by KVIC and TamilNadu Palm Products Co-operative association sellrefrigerated Padaneer at their outlets. In AndhraPradesh the Khadi and Village IndustriesCommission (KVIC) promotes neera as a health drink.In Maharastra and Gujarat, neera is made availablethrough various outlets known as “Neera VikriKendra”. The Neera Palm Product CooperativeSociety had set up small green kiosks that sold neerain major railway stations, but they are now only to befound alongside highways and expressways outsidethe Mumbai city area. In Orissa , the state governmentestablished a cooperative organisation known as theOrissa State Palmgur Cooperative Federation toprovide technological support in the processing andproduction of neera and its associated by-products suchas jaggery and candy. However tapping of coconutpalm is seldom practiced commercially. In Karnataka the state government has constituted the Neera Board,comprising farmers, provincial government officials andneera training institutes with an objective to inspectand control the quality of Neera and its product, giveapprovals for various schemes for sale of Neera andits by-products in the international markets.In order togive impetus to the coconut processing and Neeraindustry in Karnataka a separate policy was consideredby the Karnataka Government called Karnataka NeeraPolicy -2006. In Kerala certain amendments have tobe made to the Excise Rules by the Govt. of Keralaso as to enable the entrepreneurs to under take tappingand production of Neera. The Board has urged theState Govt. to take action for amendments of therelevant rules for production of Neera on pilot basis.Govt. of Kerala in the current year budget hasannounced a grant of 15 crores for establishment of10 units at the rate of 1.50 crores for each unit. Astate level committee constituted by Govt. has alsosubmitted its report recommending neera production,processing and marketing through federated coconutproducers societies, coconut producers federations andcoconut producer companies.

Neera is highly susceptible to natural fermentationat ambient temperature within a few hours ofextraction from the palm source. Once fermented, ittransforms into toddy with 4% alcohol. Using severaltechnologies developed by various research institutes,neera is processed and preserved in its natural form to

retain the vitamins, sugar, and other nutrients beneficialfor health. To extend the shelf life of neera, heatpreservation techniques such as pasteurization areused. A special filtration technique to enhance the shelflife of neera was developed by the National ChemicalLaboratory in Pune, India.

Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL) incollaboration with Central Food Technological ResearchInstitute (CFTRI), Mysore has developed the processfor the preservation of coconut sap (neera) during July2002 - March 2003.The process involves collectingcoconut sap from the spathe of coconut palm, whichis tapped earlier for more than 10 days using a mudpot, early morning from the nearby coconut farm, withhealthy trees, identified specifically for the purpose andtransported to the laboratory in the mobile chiller (4°C)followed by filtering the sap, chilling the filtered sapsolution in the range of 2° to 8°C and adding an acidulantcitric acid in the range of 0.04 to 0.2%. Further

preservative nisin of 5 to 15 ppm is added followed bybottling the solution and croning the glass bottles, andpasteurizing the bottles at 90-95° C for a time periodof 3 to 7 minutes wherein the coconut sap retain itsnatural constituents. Heat preservation methods suchas pasteurisation and sterilisation are necessary topreserve and extend the shelf life of the product.Temperature requirement for thermal processing ofthe Neera was found to be more than 95° C. Thermalstress could be reduced by the addition of bio-preservative nisin at a minimum concentration of 10ppm both for in-pack pasteurisation and retortprocessing. Furthermore, Neera is highly photosensitivedue to the presence of ascorbic acid, hence foil-basedmulti-layer packaging material such as PET/aluminium


foil/cast pp was found suitable toprevent the adverse effect of light.In order to increase the productappeal, the suspended particles inNeera were removed bycentrifugation at 4000 rpm for 10min. The product as such withoutany additive treatment as well asheat processing was stable up to 72hr. When the product wasprocessed either by in-packpasteurisation or through retortpouch processing, the shelf life wasabout one year under refrigeratedcondition and 30 days underambient conditions. No differencewas observed between retortprocessed samples and in-packpasteurised samples. The latter wasfound to be cost-effective.

Another invention provides animproved process for thepreparation coconut sap collectedfrom the spathe of coconut palm byretaining all its cloudiness andnatural constituents.Inventionrelates to a process for thepreservation of deodourisedcoconut sap (neera) by removal ofobnoxious odour of the coconut sapis also patented. The process, inparticular, describes the method ofpreservation of coconut sap in glassbottles. The fresh coconut sap is richin carbohydrates with sucrose as itsmain constituent. It is well knownthat the coconut sap ferments veryquickly even during the process ofcollection thus producing alcohol init. The fermented sap smellsobnoxiously thus making itunacceptable as a beverage forconsumption. Hence, there is aneed to deodorize and preserve thecoconut sap without affecting itsnutritional quality. The processinvolves collecting coconut sapfrom the spathe of coconut palm,

which is tapped earlier for morethan 10 days using a pot, filteringthe sap to remove any impurities;chilling the filtered sap to 2-8°C untilprocessing, adding deodourizing aidseither Bentonite or activated carbonand stirring the contents;centrifuging or filtering the mixture;optionally adding a preservative,packing the deodourised sap inglass containers and crowning theglass bottles, and pasteurizing thebottles at 90-95°C for 3-7 min.Thebottles were cooled to 27° C. Thejuice had a characterstic cloudyappearence of neera devoid offermented odour without anysedimentation.

Technology to preserve thesweet coconut inflorescence sap innon-alcoholic form under ambientcondition has been developed byRegional Agricultural ResearchStation, Nileswar (KeralaAgricultural University). By thistechnology the coconutinflorescence sap can be preservedand marketed as a soft drink as wellas there is scope for promotingsmall scale industries for preparingedible by products from Neera. Thetechnology for production of valueadded products such as jaggery,sugar, chocolate granulated powder,coconut honey etc. were alsodeveloped by KAU. However thetechnology could not becommercialized owing torestrictions prevailing in tapping ofcoconut trees for production ofNeera. The issue has already beentaken up with the StateGovernments and it is expected thatsome units for the down streamproducts such as Jaggery,Granulated powder and Coconuthoney using this technology wouldcome up in the near future. Kerala

Agricultural University hasestablished a Pilot Plant with aprocessing capacity of 500 litres ofNeera per day with the supportfrom ICAR. The technology couldbe transferred to entrepreneurs bythe KAU. However, theentrepreneurs to whom thetechnology would have to beeventually transferred forcommercial production wouldrequire permission under the AbkariAct for trapping Neera. About 250yielding coconut palms are requiredfor the production of 500 litres ofNeera. M/s Subicsha (a companypromoted by Perambra BlockPanchayath for Women Self HelpGroups under SGSY project ofGovt. of India) has come up with aproposal for commencingproduction of Neera and itsdownstream products on a pilotscale.

Director of Horticulture,Government of Karnataka hastaken up a project for establishmentof Neera demonstration unit atHorticulture Farm, Thumbe, D.Kannada for preservation oftapped Neera thermally in glassbottles at a total cost of Rs.115 lakhswith share of Deptt. of Horticulture,Karnataka (75%) to the tune ofRs.86.25 lakhs and Share ofCoconut Development Board(25%) to the tune of Rs.28.75lakhs. The production capacity isenvisaged at 10000 lts per day. Theobjective of the project was tooptimize the use of available naturalresources, to educate the farmersthere by improve the economicposition of the farmers and to keepalive the tapping traditions ofDakshina Kannada anddemonstration is taken up in order

(Continued on page 31)

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The economy of Lakshadweepis mainly dependent on agricultureand fisheries. This part of thecountry has wealth that is yet to beexploited. The economy here issimple and open with ample scopefor development. Lakshadweepagriculture earns the livelihood formore than ninety percent of thepopulation of this Union Territory.Coconut cultivation is a majoreconomic activity of the people ofLakshadweep. Coconut is grown in2700 ha. in 11 islands and theproduction is 40 metric tonnes peryear. Lakshadweep Ordinary andLakshadweep Micro are the twocommon varieties grown and copraand coconut oil are the traditionalcoconut products made. Tendercoconut harvesting is also pickingup now. Tapping of neera is another

activity undertaken in the islandsince time immemorial.

Agricultural Department isimplementing various schemes onagricultural development inLakshadweep. The CoconutDevelopment Program is animportant scheme for increasing theproduction of coconut.

Lakshadweep being a coconutterritory, coconut productivity playsan important role in improving theeconomic status of the islands.Productivity has almost reached tothe saturation level and nouncultivable land is available forconverting into cropping area.Increase in population is mountingpressure on resources available inthe territory. In order to meet therequirement of growing population

for a comfortable life, incomegenerated from copra alone will notsuffice the increasing demand. Theonly way out is to go for high valueagriculture through productdiversification and value addition.

Tapping of neera is intrinsicallyrelated to the life of the people ofLakshadweep. Tapping is usuallydone during September toDecember. Tapping is done at theauspicious of the AgricultureDepartment and is included underthe coconut developmentprogramme. Department has fixedthe wages of tappers @ Rs. 250per day and the tapper shouldcollect 10 liter neera per day.Department is giving the farmerRs.800 for 6 months for neeratapping. Farmers are also givingtrees directly for neera tapping.

Lakshadweep realizes the potential of NeeraSasikumar C

Technical Officer, Coconut Development Board, Kochi


Neera tapping initially started inAndroth and Kalpeni Islands andlater on in Minicoy, Kavaratti andKadamat islands. Tapping is doneboth in the morning and in theevening. On an average 1.5 to 2litres neera is obtained from a palm.Department is selling neera as asoft drink which is sold for Rs.15-20 per litre. Neera collected fromthe tappers is also used for makingvinegar and jaggery. Vinegar, apermanent natural preservativeingredients for pickles, salads,soups, curry etc. and jaggery - acolloidal sugary substance made outof coconut neera used for makinga varieties of snacks, a bestsubstitute for jams, for making cooldrinks etc. are very commonly usedin Lakshadweep.

Neera is stored in large plasticcontainers with a clean netted coverallowing aeration and prevent entryof dirt and other foreignobjects. Earlier earthern pots were

used for making neera. After 40days of fermentation in a wellventilated room, the sap isharvested as vinegar. After theevaporation loss around 95 litervinegar can be produced from 100liter neera. Vinegar is having gooddemand in the Island since it is aningredient in all seafood dishes.Lakshadweep vinegar is popular inKerala especially in Malabar areas.Vinegar is produced by thedepartment as well as privateparties. The department is sellingvinegar @ Rs. 22 per litre whileprivate parties are selling it @Rs.30 per litre.

Coconut jaggery is a commoncottage industry in Lakshadweep.The island is having to its credit itsown conventional method of makingcoconut jaggery out of neera.Tappers as well as the departmentmaking jaggery. Around 7 literneera is required for making 1 kg.jaggery. Coconut neera immediatelyafter collecting it, is boiled in large

shallow round bottom vessels. Two-three calcium stones are alsodeposited in the solution forbalancing the pH. Neera collectedin the evening is also poured into itand is heated at 80oC. This solutionis heated and stirred continuouslyfor eight hours. Later on, it isremoved from fire and is stirredcontinuously until it gets cold. Thejelly like jaggery is packed in glassjars and is sold @ Rs. 250 per kg.This product has good market in theisland itself since it is used formaking a variety of sweet snacks.

Neera tapping is a potentialsource of revenue for theLakshadweep Island. Neeratapping is allowed in the Island andthe department is directly runningcoconut jaggery and vinegar units.This success story of Lakshadweepis a best model to prove therelevance of tapping neera and alsothe significance of productdiversification and value addition.

to bring Neera Policy in Karnataka.It was decided to set up a pilotneera plant for processing andpacking of neera at DakshinaKannada or Udipi district, as thetwo districts do not need any exciseclearance as it is exempted andtoddy tapping is allowed in thesetwo districts.The pilot plant hasalready started trial production andpacking of neera. Attempts are alsomade at packing in differentflavours as per the customer’spreferences.

Once the clearence is obtainedfrom the concerned state govts,Coconut Development Board canextend back ended credit linkedcapital subsidy limited to 25% of the

input cost not exceeding Rs.50lakhs under Technology Mission onCoconut. If the unit needs financialsupport, any Bank / financialinstitutions can be approached withdetailed project report for availingloan. A detailed project report alongwith application, Bank appraisal,loan sanction letter and all therelevant supporting documents hasto be submitted if the party intendsfor avail the financial assistancefrom the Coconut DevelopmentBoard under the TMOC scheme,for production, processing, brandingand marketing of neera in packagedform and for downstream productslike coconut palm syrup, jaggeryand coconut palm sugar. There is

also scope for small scale industriesfor honey, chocolate, candy andtoffee from Neera. Setting up ofsuch units will fetch better returnsand generate employmentopportunities in rural areas. In orderto offset the crises of pricefluctuation streamlining the processwill allow the farmers to capitaliseon the opportunity to producecoconut neera and its by productswhich has excellent internationalmarket, besides the domesticmarket. This will allow the farmersto capitalise on the opportunity toproduce coconut neera and its byproducts which has excellentinternational market, besides thedomestic market.

(Continued from page 29)

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Neera Production through CPS,CPF and Producer Companies

Formation of CoconutProducers Societies (CPS) wasinitiated by the Board with anobjective to mobilize coconutfarmers and establish grass rootlevel farmer institutions forundertaking production, processingand marketing of coconut. 40-100farmers having 4000-5000 coconutpalms in their jurisdiction form aCPS. Such 20-25 CPS units of aparticular area are aggregated toform Coconut Producers’Federations (CPF). Federationsundertake activities like productionof value added coconut productscoconut chips, ball copra,desiccated coconut, virgin coconutoil, charcoal etc. CPFs also extendedsupport @ 50% subsidy for theinstallation of communityinfrastructure for copra making. Sofar 3536 CPS and 125 CoconutProducers Federations areregistered with the Board. Thesefederations can form the base forpermitting production of Neera.

Board has the broad objective ofintegrating CPFs to form ProducerCompanies (PC). Two Coconut

Producer Companies are alreadyestablished and many are in theoffing, which are expected to bemilestones to transform the entirecoconut sector. The idea is totranslate small farmersorganizations to sound, dynamicfunctional teams.

Neera production, processingand packaging can be undertakenunder the auspices of Federationsof CPS registered with CDB. Theneera committee constituted byGovernment of Kerala hasrecommended to give license forNeera production to Federations ofCPS registered with CDB. Neerais collected at CPS level andassembled at a primary processingcentre under the auspices ofFederation. Primary processing ofNeera can be done here under theguidance of the authorized researchagency with strict monitoring ofFederation. Further, processing andpacking of Neera can be done atdistrict level processing unit atFederation level. ProducerCompanies can initiate processingand value addition of neera and

develop value added products likesyrup, jaggery and palm sugar. Thepalms to be tapped can be markedin advance. Tapped Neera collectedby the Federations through themember CPS can be brought to aprimary processing centre which islocalized within the district.

The processing of Neera can bedone under the strict supervision ofofficials from KAU for a definiteperiod till the sector get stabilized.Tapped Neera need not betransported outside the districtwhere it is produced thus preventingchances for misuse. Furtherprocessing to other products likepalm syrup, palm jaggery and palmsugar can be undertaken at the levelof Federations or Farmer ProducerCompanies envisaged by CDB.

Neera should be taken out of theAbkari act since it is unfermentedinflorescence sap. Value of tappedNeera should be shared betweenthe farmer and the Neera technicianin a fixed proportion so that both thestakeholders are benefited and thesector emerges in a sustainedmanner. CPSs can start giventraining to Neera Technicians andidentify coconut palms suitable forNeera tapping. Out of the 18 crorescoconut palms in Kerala initially 1%may be set apart for Neera tapping.Tapping of 18 lakh palms wouldgenerate additional revenue ofRs.5400 crores in a year (300days).Tapping and sale of Neera ispermitted in States & UTs likeKarnataka, Maharashtra, Goa,Lakshadweep, Andaman &Nicobar and Puducherry.

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Recommendations of Neera CommitteeThe expert committee

constituted by Government ofKerala under the Chairmanship ofShri. Anil Xavier IAS, ExciseCommissioner to study the potentialof neera submitted its report to Shri.K Babu, Minister for Excise,Government of Kerala. Thecommittee examined various issueslike how neera tapping can bebeneficial to farmers, the alcoholiccontent in neera, production,marketing and export of neera etc.Dr. K Muralidharan, Director CDBwas a member of the nine membercommittee.

The committee hasrecommended that Neeraproduction, processing andmarketing can be entrusted withfederated Coconut ProducersSocieties, their Federations, andProducer Companies. As specialprocessing units are required for thecollection and processing of Neera,it should not be allowed as a part oftoddy parlours. Necessaryamendments shall be made in theexisting rules on Issue of Licensefor drawing sweet toddy(neera) forenabling neera production, and itsvalue addition. License from theExcise department shall be obtained

from the said rule for tapping neera.For the modernization of toddysector and for the production ofneera and value added productsfrom neera, Toddy NeeraDevelopment Board shall beestablished. Cess @ Rs.1 per literof Indian made foreign liquor maybe introduced for funding thisBoard.

On receiving the report, Shri. K.Babu Excise Minister, Government ofKerala assured that the governmentwill certainly take a positive view ofit and will promote the coconutwater-based drink Neera as a non-alcoholic health drink.

Government of Philippines ispushing for the removal of thephrase “no approved therapeuticclaims” in Virgin Coconut Oil(VCO) product labels after a clinicalstudy and similar studies haveproved that VCO increases goodcholesterol. Philippine CoconutAuthority (PCA) has requested thePhilippine Bureau of Agriculturaland Fishery Product Standards(BAFPS) to allow the producers ofVCO to remove the phrase “noapproved therapeutic claims” fromthe PCA certified VCO products.February 2012, a team of scientistand medical doctors from theUniversity of Santo Tomas (UST)Research Center in Manila,Philippines presented to the publicand journalists the results of aClinical Study which they haveconducted on the Effects of VirginCoconut Oil (VCO) on the HumanBody. The study was the largestclinical research ever undertaken

on the effects of VCO oncholesterol levels in the country. TheUST Research Team was led byDr. Christina Binag of the USTResearch Center for Natural andApplied Science based in Manila,Philippines. The study wascommissioned by the PhilippineCoconut Authority and involved 110participants who took 3 tablespoonsof VCO every day for 4 monthswhile 79 others had a placebotreatment for the same period.

The results of the clinical studyrevealed decreases in triglyceridesand very low density lipoprotein(VLDL) - which is considered asbad cholesterol, among the VCOtakers. The VCO takers had nochange in their low densitylipoprotein (LDL); they showedelevated high density lipoprotein(HDL) or good cholesterol. Medicaldoctors and scientists haveindicated that high VLDL and LDL

(bad cholesterol) could lead toplaque formation in the inner liningof the arteries that blocks the freecirculation of blood in the heart andto the brain. When the arteries areclogged-up, there is a high risk ofheart attack and stroke. The USTTeam of medical doctors andscientists indicated that theimproved cholesterol to HDL ratiocan mean that the individuals areless prone to heart attack or stroke.Aside from the effects on the lipidprofile, the scientists also reportedthat the VCO takers had regularbowel movement, increasedappetite and stamina, and bettersleep. Similar studies have alsobeen done in India and Sri Lanka.We can therefore say that there isnow strong proof to disprove theallegations about coconut oilconsumption and its relation toenhancing the risk of coronaryartery disease.

Source: The Cocommunity

Certified health claims for virgin coconut oil


Health benefits of coconut nectar

Vitamins and Minerals in Coconut SapMineral Content of Coconut Sap

Macronutrient Mg/L (ppm) in Dry Matter Coconut Sap

Nitrogen (N) 2,020.0 Phosphorous (P) 790.0 Potassium (K) 10,300.0 Calcium (Ca) 60.0 Magnesium (Mg) 290.0 Sodium (Na) 450.0 Chlorine (Cl) 4,700.0 Sulfur (S) 260.0 Boron (B) 6.3 Zinc (Zn) 21.2 Manganese (Mn) 1.3 Copper (Cu) 2.3 Iron (Fe) 21.9

Vitamin Content of Freshly Gathered Coconut Sap

Vitamin Fresh Coconut Sap Value (MG/DL)

Thiamine (B-1) 77.00 Riboflavin (B-2) 12.20 Panthothenic Acid (B-5) 38.40 Niacin (B-3) 40.60 Biotin (B-7) 0.17 Folic Acid (B-9) 0.24 Inositol 127.70 Choline 9.00 Vitamin (B-12) trace Vitamin C 23.4

Coconut organic nectarsometimes also called as coconutsap has high nutrient content, suchas;- essential minerals (potassium,magnesium, zinc and iron) andvitamins. Moreover, it has a verylow glycemic index and glycemicload, so coconut organic nectar willproduce slow release energy,without regular blood glucose levelsbecome too high or too low. The lastone may be the most importanthealth benefit of coconut organicnectar. By maintaining bloodglucose as well as insulin level innormal range, coconut organicnectar can help preventing andtreating various health problems.Here are some of them;

Obesity

As a low GI food, coconutorganic nectar will be slowlydigested and cause a gradual risein blood glucose. It will keep youfeeling satisfied and resulted indelaying the feeling of hungerbetween meals.

Cancer

Many researches have shownthat there is a relation between highinsulin levels and variety of cancerformation, including breast,colorectal, prostate and pancreas.There are also studies which showassociation between diet of highsugar, refined carbohydrates, highglycemic load and cancerdevelopment.

Cardiovascular Disease

Avoiding refined and high GIcarbohydrates will significantlyreduce the risk of heart disease.These type of foods increase bloodinsulin levels which then contributeto higher blood pressure, blood fatsand tend to form dangerous clot thatstay in blood stream.

Hypoglycemia

People with hypoglycemiasecrete too much insulin aftereating, resulting in too much sugarthat was removed from the blood.As the end result, the body may feel

shaky, irritable, weak, dizzy, unableto concentrate and excessivefeeling of hunger after few hoursof eating. Low GI foods will makeinsulin to response slowly, becausethis kind of foods will raise bloodsugar levels gradually. It willprevent the blood glucose to droptoo low.

Diabetes

Many studies have proven thatconsuming low glycemic indexcarbohydrates instead of high GIones can help lower blood sugarlevels in people who have diabetes.A low GI diet also helps preventdiabetes from ever developing in thefirst place. That’s why; glycemixindex diet becomes an importantpart of nutrition therapy for diabetesin New Zealand, Canada, Australiaand Europe for many years.

However, due to its fabuloushealth benefits of coconut organicnectar, this natural sweetener is alsogood for those who don’t havehealth problems as listed above.

News


Our great green umbrellasG.S.Unnikrisnan Nair

Asst. Director of Agriculture on Deputation in Kerala State Biodiversity Board as Scientific Officer

There is no palm in this world,more beautiful than the coconut.The dense shade of nature’s greenumbrellas, the coconut palms arealso providing relief to the peopleof tropics from the scorching sun.The coconut has an intimate relationwith humankind through the varietyof products and services it providesincluding environmental benefits,which is very much significantduring this global warming era.Global warming has speeded up anddebates continue about the bestway to slow the increase of carbondioxide that is trapping heat in theEarth’s atmosphere. CO

2 is

reported to be the most significant“greenhouse” gas among theGHGs produced by human activities

primarily as it arises from thecombustion of fossil fuels. Excessin CO

2 can cause the earth’s

temperature to increase causingerratic changes in climate. Highermaximum and minimumtemperatures would lead to morehot days in most landmasses;likewise, the amplitude andfrequency of extreme rainfall areexpected to increase over manyyears.

Trees-Storehouses of Carbon

Carbon needs to be pulled outof the atmosphere and put into long-term storage elsewhere. Thisprocess is called carbonsequestration, and high-technologyways to accomplish it are being

investigated worldwide. We canincrease carbon sequestration byworking with some specialists inthis field, the trees. They havealmost 350 million years’ experiencein sequestering carbon. Trees, likeother green plants, usephotosynthesis to convert carbondioxide (CO

2) into sugar, cellulose

and other carbon-containingcarbohydrates that they use for foodand growth. Trees are unique intheir ability to lock up large amountsof carbon in their wood, andcontinue to add carbon as theygrow. Considering that one half ofthe weight of dried wood is carbon,trees in a forest hold a lot of carbon.When the enormous amount ofcarbon stored in forest soils is added

Coconut-Carbon Sink


to the trees’ carbon, it becomesobvious that forests are majorcarbon storage reservoirs. Althoughforests do release some CO

2 from

natural processes such as decayand respiration, a healthy foresttypically stores carbon at a greaterrate than it releases carbon.

Coconut –Potential Carbon Sink

The actual rate of carbonsequestration by trees will varywith species, climate and site. Eventhough Plantations sequester lesscarbon than natural forests, they arealso valuable carbon sinks. In treecrops, carbon is stored orsequestered both by the biomassand the soil of the ecosystem. Thus,tree biomass and the soil are themain carbon sinks of atmosphericCO

2.

Productive and sustainablecoconut farming ecosystems arepotential “carbon sinks” that canminimize the effect of climatechange. Central Plantation CropsResearch Institute, Kasaragodconducted studies in different agro-climatic zones to estimate thecarbon stocks and sequestrationsby coconut mono-crop. Since incoconut tree also biomass and thesoil are the main carbon sinks,researchers estimated the annualbiomass production of coconutpalms per hectare. About 45% ofthis was taken as sequesteredcarbon. Similarly the annualaccumulation to the soil carbonstock was measured. The carbonsequestration would, however,depend on the health and growthrate of trees and the replantingcycle adopted. Thus, the standingbiomass and annual biomassproduction in coconut was studiedby CPCRI.

The net primary production(NPP) estimations of coconutmonocrop in different agro-climaticzones indicated that annual carbonsequestration potential of coconutabove ground biomass ranged from8 Ton CO

2/ha to 32T CO

2/ha

depending on variety, agro-climaticzone, soil type and management.The standing carbon stocks rangedfrom 18 T CO

2/ha to 51 T CO

2/ha.

Annually sequestered carbonstocked in to stem was in the rangeof 0. 3 to 2.3 CERs (CertifiedEmission Reductions). A “certifiedemission reduction” or “CER” is aunit representing one ton of carbondioxide-equivalent (CO

2-e)

sequestered or abated, using globalwarming potentials defined by 2/CP.3 of Kyoto protocol. Accordingto the study, annual C sequestrationby coconut plantation was higher inred sandy loam soils and lowest incoastal sandy soils.

The output on the net primaryproduction of coconut in itseconomic life span of 60 years wasalso observed. Estimates indicatelong- term (about 60 years) carbonstocking in stem is more than 150T CO

2/ha. The carbon stored for

short to medium period (2 to 5years)was found to be 1350 T CO

2/ha

during the entire economic life spanof coconut. Further, carbon storagein leaf and inflorescence, for shortto medium duration (2-3 years) wasestimated to be around 1000 TCO

2/ha in entire span of coconut.

Growing coconut palmassimilates more carbon dioxide

According to a study byPhilippine Coconut Authority(PCA), adoption of coconut farmingsystems could help ease the effectsof climate change. According toPCA, the Philippines, with its

extensive coconut lands has a highpotential to mitigate carbonemissions.

It was found by PCA thatamong the crops studied, coconuthad an average C storage capacityof 24.1T C/ha per year. Study ofPCA indicates that the growingcoconut palm assimilates morecarbon dioxide during daytime in theprocess of photosynthesis than theyrelease in darkness throughrespiration. Only the excess carbondioxide assimilated is sequesteredas stored carbon in the woodybiomass and not all the carbondioxide assimilated. The coconutpalms also enrich the carboncontent of the soil occupied by themthrough the regular addition oforganic debris, particularly dead anddecaying root tissues, the rootexudates etc. The crop was alsofound to have the most stable Cstorage, being a perennial crop withalmost nil burning of crop residuescompared to other agriculturalcrops such as rice and sugarcane.

While young and growing palmsare capable of net absorption ofcarbon dioxide, mature palms withlittle growth do not sequesteradditional carbon, as theirassimilation during daytimenormally equals their emissionduring night. When the palmsbecome over mature, they probablybecome net emitters of carbondioxide, as their absorption duringdaytime is less than the quantityemitted in respiration. PCArecommends that if coconut palmsare to function as effective sink ofcarbon, they have to be replantedbefore they reach full maturity tomaintain a healthy and dynamicgrowing stand of palmscontinuously.

Coconut-Carbon Sink


Coconut palms also permit thegrowing of miscellaneous treespecies as companion crops. Insuch a cropping system the carbonsequestration potential per hectareannually will be much higher thanthat of a monocrop of coconut palm.

More moisture, more Carbonsequestration

The study of Srilanka CoconutResearch Institute estimated thecarbon sequestration potential of25-year-old Tall x Tall coconutplantations under S2 (highly suitablefor coconut) and S4 (moderatelysuitable for coconut) soils in wet(WL3, high moisture availability),intermediate (IL1a, moderatemoisture availability) and dry (DL3,low moisture availability) agro-climatic conditions during May toSeptember. Variation in total carbonstock (plant and soil), total carboninput (measured as Gross PrimaryProduction of coconut, GPP), totalcarbon output (measured as plantand soil respiration) and net carbonbalance of ecosystems wereassessed. It was found that thereis a significant agro-ecologicalregion (AER) x land suitability class(LSC) effect on all the componentsof the carbon balance in a coconutplantation. The total ecosystemcarbon stock reduces along adecreasing moisture gradient fromWL3 to DL3 and decreasing soilfertility gradient from S2 to S4.

The GPP (Gross PrimaryProductivity -Gross primaryproduction is the total energy ornutrients assimilated by anecological unit such as an organism,a population, or an entirecommunity) and Rtot–eco (Totalecosystem respiration- the sum ofall respiration occurring by the living

organisms in a specific ecosystem)do not show a reduction along adecreasing moisture gradient fromWL3 to DL3 on S2, even as it showsa reduction from WL3 to DL3 onS4. The net C balance reduces fromWL3 to DL3 on S4, even as it doesnot reduce from WL3 to DL3 onS2. Of the measured components,GPP and maintenance respiration ofcoconut palms and soil respirationhad greater contributions to theoverall C balance of the system.

Subsidies from the Carbon (C)market

Coconut lands could bedeveloped for income-generatingcarbon sequestration projects andthe carbon credit market. Under the1997 Kyoto Protocol, industrializedcountries committed to reduce theiremissions of carbon dioxide andother green house gases (GHGs) orengage in emissions trading if theymaintain or unable to decrease theiremission of gases. These countriescan meet part of their target inreducing global CO

2 emission by

purchasing emission reductioncredits from developing countries inthe form of planted forest andplantations.

The above studies indicate thatCoconut - as a perennial tree cropwith 50-60 years of economiclifespan, has a great potential asCarbon Sink for mitigating climatechange. Hence coconut is animportant candidate of carbonsequestration for carbon trade inClean Development Mechanism.Farmers, who cultivated coconut,should be paid for sequesteringcarbon dioxide, but the issue had tobe taken up at inter-governmentlevel. To what extent coconutmonocropping and coconut-basedagro forestry qualify for carbon

trading has to be examined on apriority basis.

The Clean DevelopmentMechanism (CDM) is presented asan opportunity for developingcountries to get certified in order tonegotiate subsidies from the Carbon(C) market. Productivity and netcarbon balance of types of landused for coconut are key issues forthe CDM. Various Studies revealedthat a 25-26 yr old tall coconutplantation could sequester about 17-80 MT of Carbon dioxide perhectares in one year depending onthe agro-climatic and soilconditions. If the carbon ismarketed at the rate of 11 US$ /unit, growers can earn about Rs20,000 – 96,000 per ha in one yearunder CDM. The same coconutplantations contain a carbon stockof about 30 - 70 MT per one hac(plant and soil) depending on theagro-climatic and soil conditions. Carbon stored in plants other thanthe stem wood or trunks aregenerally decomposable biomass,which eventually becomes part ofthe soil organic matter (SOM) ofwhich the more stable componentis the 50 percent soil organiccarbon (SOC).

Coconut-producing countriesand the agencies concerned shoulddo more formal and scientificcollaborative studies in this area.These are needed in order to takethe best advantage of the desirableattribute of coconut production andits ecosystem, not only for judiciousenvironmental management but,more importantly, to generateacceptable methodologies andempirical data for certified emissioncredits. Coconut palms are nodoubt, one of our finest shields forthe warming world.

Coconut-Carbon Sink


Black headed caterpillar spreads across VisakhapatnamThe black-headed caterpillar

disease has affected two-thirds ofthe 7,500 hectares of coconut areain Visakhapatnam and the farmershave initiated control measures.The disease has severely affectedin Anakapalle, Mungapaka and S.Rayavaram mandals.

The crown of coconut treewould turn black and all its greenleaves would be licked away by theblack-headed caterpillar. The nutswould die young causing a huge lossto the coconut farmer.

More than 500 hectares ofcoconut plantation in 15-20 villagesin the Anakapalle-Munagapakazone has been hit by the pest,directly affecting more than 600families and close to 1,000agricultural workers who are totallydependent on the yield.

Farmers told a team ofhorticulturists and scientists whosurveyed the damaged coconutplantations in the Anakapalle beltthat their yield had dropped by 50%in a span of four months.

The team of experts led by C VRama Rao, coordinator, DistrictAgricultural Advisory and Transferof Technology Centre (DAATTC),Ankapalle, of the NG RangaAgriculture University, M Srinivas,a scientist with the same institute,and Radhakrishna of thehorticultural department, found that4% of the total number of treeswere badly affected and that thepest could be dealt with before allthe 60,000 trees in the 500 hectaresare damaged. “Only about 2,400-

spraying or introduce bio-agents onthe affected trees which eat awaythe black-headed caterpillar.

Spraying of pesticide was notpossible in case of long trees androot-feeding method (mixing apesticide with water and tying thebagful of mixture to a root) couldbe adopted in such cases, he said.Rain would bring down the problembut right now hot summer heat wasbeing experienced, he added.

odd trees were affected andseemed to be in a bad shape. Theothers can be salvaged and theplantations can be back on track inone year,” observed Rao.

Rao said one of the reasons forthe pest quickly spreading in theregion was that the trees were tooclosely planted.

Campaign is being conductedand demonstrations organised to

explain to the farmers the ways tocontrol the disease since all farmersin an area have to take themeasures simultaneously asindividual efforts would not be ofany use since the black-headedcaterpillar would spread from onetree to another and one area toanother.

Horticultural officers are visitingevery village to explain the controlmeasures. A pamphlet was alsobeing brought out on controlmeasures. The farmers were beingtold to take up root-feeding method,

The farmers were already onthe job and the effect of themeasures could be seen only whenfresh leaves start sprouting after thecaterpillar was killed, Mr.Prabhakara Rao said.

Campaign through television andoral publicity was first done by ascientist of District AgricultureAdvisory Committee C.V. RamaRao after he noticed the problemin the coconut groves in January.

(Source: The Hindu)

Coconut garden severely affected by black headed caterpillar

Pest & Disease


Tiptur coconut ravaged by pests and diseasesThe mere mention of the name

of Tiptur conjures up the images ofvast coconut plantation and of thesweet tender coconuts. No doubt,Tiptur coconut is famous across thecountry for its big size, thick pulpand sweet water.

However, this year, the coconutplantation in the taluk has beenravaged by pests and diseases.

The trees have been ravaged bypests like mites (nusi in Kannada),red palm weevil (Kempu MutiHula), Black-headed Caterpillar(Kappu Tale Hula) and by stembleeding disease.

Coconut trees affected bywilting and devoid of leaves havebecome a common sight in the taluk.This is the first time in the historyof the taluk, which is known asKalpataru Nadu (land of bounty)due to the sheer number of coconuttrees, that the plantation in manyfields are totally destroyed.

The farmers of the region whotraditionally cultivated coconuts,reaped huge profits from the crops.So much so that even rain or no raindidn't affect their prospects much.However, today the hapless farmersare forced to see the destruction oftheir plantations, they oncecherished so much.

According to an estimatecoconut is cultivated in as much as25000 hectares and there are threelakh trees. Nearly, 30 percent ofthese trees are reportedly dead.

As much as 60 percent of thetrees are affected by wilting andmany stand out like sticks stuck inthe ground after losing all the leaves.The worst affected are the farmers,

who had newly raised the tree andhoped to see the flowers (hombale).However, the trees are dying evenbefore flowering.

According to AgricultureDepartment, 25 percent of thecoconut yield has been destroyed.But it is estimated that the yield willgo down by 60 percent as manytrees are very weak.

However, in reality the situationis said to be even worse withfarmers silently suffering the loss.

Apart from the pests anddiseases, the successive droughtscoupled with rapid decline ingroundwater and scorching heathave also contributed to thewithering of the trees.

Due to the drought, thegroundwater had depleted severelyin the taluk. During summer, thefarmers sunk bore wells andharnessed the water through motorpump to cultivate the crops.

However, this time even thatoption is not there as one as to digmore than 600 feet to get water andeven that is not confirmed.

The coconut trees in Halkurike,Honnavalli, Gunguramale,Mallenahalli, Shivara,Bennayakanahalli andByranayakanahalli in the taluk havebeen severely affected.

The trees in Belagarahalli, whichwere infested by Black headedCaterpillar, have lost all the leavesand also new shoots and have endedup looking like sticks needled to theground.

It is said that even if it rainedwell this season, the trees may takemore than three to four years toreach the fruit-bearing stage again.

It is also said that revivinggroundwater might be the only wayto save coconut plantation in thetaluk.

(Source: Deccan Herald)

An expert team from Coconut Development Board headed by Director willbe visiting the affected areas shortly and will prepare a preliminary reporton the infestation.

Pest & Disease


News

Karnataka farmers visited Coconut Development BoardIn order to create awareness on

various schemes implemented byCDB in Karnataka and to have afirst hand information on thedifferent value added products andprocessing techniques of coconut

level awareness programme onTMoC in the district. Many of thefarmers who were already intoprocessing of different coconutproducts shared their experience.Dr. Remany Gopalakrishnan,

and assistance provided by CDB, ateam of 45 coconut farmers fromdifferent parts of Turuvekere talukof Tumkur district visited CoconutDevelopment Board, Kochi on 17th

May 2013. The team led by ShriSiddabasappa, Convener Coconut

Growers Association Karnatakahad interaction with Shri. T K JoseIAS, Chairman and officers ofCoconut Development Board.

Shri. T K Jose IAS spoke on the

importance of formation of CPS,CPF and PC in the state ofKarnataka. Chairman assured fullsupport from CDB in providingtraining in value addition of coconutproducts and in organizing district

Deputy Director, CDB and Smt.Mridula. K., Technical Officer,CDB spoke during the occasion.The team also visited CPCRIKasaragod, coconut seed gardens,coconut processing centers etc.

Farm Review Meeting held2nd Farm review meeting of

CDB was held on 23rd and 24th May2013 at Coconut DevelopmentBoard, Kochi. Shri. T K Jose IAS,Chairman, CDB in his introductoryremarks emphasized theimportance of producing qualitycoconut seedlings. Except the DSPfarms of the Board, very fewgovernment agencies are producingquality coconut seedlings and hencethe seedlings of CDB are in greatdemand. Since states likeMaharastra, Tamil Nadu, WestBengal and Tripura are potentialareas for coconut cultivation, Boardis planning to establish DSP farms

Indicators for 2013-14 was finalizedby the meeting. It was decided thatnursery programme will becontinued during the next year alsoand a production target of 1.5 millionseedlings was fixed.

in all these states. Shri. SugataGhose, CCDO spoke on Changesin concept and outlook of DSPFarms. The activities of the Framswere reviewed and the AnnualAction Plan and Performance

Shri. T K Jose IAS, Chairman, CDB addressing the Farm Managers.Shri. Sugata Ghose, CCDO and Dr. A.K. Nandi, Secretary are seen

Karnataka farmers in the meeting at CDB


Tapping neera and making valueadded products out of it is the bestalternative to save the coconutfarmers now who are reeling undersevere price crash of coconut, saidShri. T.K. Jose IAS, Chairman,Coconut Development Board in hisintroductory remarks in theSymposium on Neera held at Kochion 27th April 2013. Even though thetechnology is available in Kerala forprocessing neera, neera tapping isnot permitted in Kerala. Herequested that CPSs shall beaccorded permission to tap neera.Dr. V K Raju, Kerala Universityspoke on the technology andeconomics of neera. Shri. GopiKottamurikkal, State Treasurer,Karshaka Sangam, Adv. ChitraBhanu, Representative, Kissan

Symposium on Neera held

Sabha, Shri. C M Ahmed Bava,Representative, Karshaka Sangam,Shri. Babu Joseph, Member NeeraCommittee, Smt. Deepthi Nair,Marketing Officer, CDB and Shri.K S Sebastian, Assistant MarketingOfficer CDB spoke during the

occasion, Shri. Sugata Ghose,CCDO, Coconut DevelopmentBoard delivered the welcomeaddress and Dr. RemanyGopalakrishnan, Deputy Director,Coconut Development Boardproposed a vote of thanks.

Expert Committee for revitalizing the Regional CommodityExchanges visited CDB

The Expert Committee forrevitalizing the RegionalCommodity Exchanges constitutedby the Department of ConsumerAffairs, Ministry of ConsumerAffairs, Food and Public

Distribution visited CoconutDevelopment Board on 24th May2013. The Committee helddiscussion with Shri. T K Jose IAS,Chairman, CDB on views andsuggestions of CDB regarding

Shri. T.K. Jose IAS, Chairman, CDB delivering the introductory remarks

future trading in coconut oil andcopra. Prof.Gopal Naik, Professorof Economics and Social Sciences,IIM Bangalore is the Chairman ofthe Committee.

Shri. T K Jose IAS, Chairman, CDB in discussion with the expert committee.

News


News

Meeting of the leaders of Thrissur District CPF held

A meeting of the leaders ofCoconut Producers Federation fromThrissur district was held on 23rd

May 2013 to discuss the progressand formation of Coconut ProducersCompany in Thrissur District. 30leaders from 16 CPFs from variousPanchayaths attended the meeting.Shri. T.K. Jose, IAS, Chairman,

CDB spoke on the concept ofFarmers Producers Organization(FPO)/Coconut ProducersCompany (CPC) and the vision ofCDB. He has also spoke on how toavail subsidy from Small FarmersAgri Business Consortium and stategovernment for the ProducerCompany. Shri. K.S. Sebastian,

Asst. Marketing Officer deliveredthe welcome address and Shri.Sasikumar C, Technical Officer,spoke on the status and achievementof CPFs in Thrissur District. Apreliminary meeting to discuss theformation of Producer Company isscheduled on 10th June 2013 atKodungallur Taluk in ThrissurDistrict.

Kozhikode district Coconut Producers Federationleaders workshop held

One day Coconut ProducersFederation leaders Workshop fromKozhikode District was held on 30th

April 2013 at Kerabhavan, Kochi.Shri.T.K. Jose IAS, Chairman,Coconut Development Board spoke

on the potentials of ProducerCompany. Prof. G. Balachandran,Chairman, Coir Board andShri.Kumaraswamy Pillai, OS(D),Coir Board spoke during theoccasion. 25 representatives of 14

CPF attended the meeting.Shri.K.S. Sebastian, Asst.Marketing Officer delivered thewelcome address and Smt. MridulaK, Technical Officer, CDBproposed a vote of thanks.

Shri. T K Jose IAS, Chairman, CDB and Prof. G. Balachandran, Chairman, Coir Board indiscussion with Federation leaders

Shri. T K Jose IAS, Chairman, CDB addressing Federation leaders of Thrissur district


Fruit Festival-2013Coconut Development Board,

State Centre, Pitapally participatedin 2nd State Level Fruit Festival-2013 organised by Directorate ofHorticulture & Odisha HorticultureDevelopment Society from 19th to22nd May 2013 at Adivasi Ground,Bhubaneswar. Shri NaveenPatnaik, Chief Minister, Odishainaugurated the festival. Dr.Prasanna Kumar Patsani, Memberof Parliament, Khurda, Mr.Rangalal Jamuda, IAS, PrincipalSecretary to Govt. of Odisha, Deptof Agriculture, Shri Debi PrasadMishra, Minister of Agriculture,Fisheries & Animal ResourcesDevelopment and Dr. SanjeevKumar Chadha, IFS, Director.Directorate of Horticulture, Odishawere present during the occasion.

powder, activated carbon,handicraft items etc. Differentinformative posters on variousaspects of coconut and its productswere also exhibited during theprogramme.

Board displayed various valueadded products like virgin coconutoil, VC capsule, desiccatedcoconut, coconut milk, coconut jam,squash, coconut oil, coconut milk

Stall of Coconut Development Board in the Fruit Festival 2013

FoCT and CPS programme spreading across IndiaThe FoCT and CPS programme

initiated by the Board in the stateof Kerala is taking root across thecountry now. Friends of coconutTree Programme is conducted ineight states now and 13,377 peopleare trained by the Board so far. Theformation of CPS and CPF is alsopicking up in the major coconutgrowing southern states. So far3,536 CPSs and 125 CPFs areformed in the country.

Progress of Coconut Producers' Society and Federation

FOCTs trained across IndiaA meeting of Chamundeshwari CPF at Kadakola, Karnataka

Lakshadweep 101 Maharashtra 256 Karnataka 406 Odisha 40 Chhatisgarh 17 Goa 60 Tamil Nadu 1,196 Andhra Pradesh 80 Kerala 11,221 Total 13,377

States CPS in

formation process

CPS registered with CDB

CPF in formation process

CPF registered with CDB

CPC registe

red

Kerala 3013 2282 106 2

Tamil Nadu 199 47 9 0 0 Karnataka 105 1 35 19 0

Andhra Pradesh 219 1 0 0 Total 3536 2331 44 125 2

NewsNews


SPA, VCO AND VCO-BASED PRODUCTS:Virgin coconut oil (VCO) made in Java Indonesia.

VCO based products such as body scrub cream,massage cream, massage oil aromatherapy, soap,shampoo and hair conditioner. Interested parties maydirectly contact:Mrs.YayiMarketing ManagerCocona SpaPT. Trimatari Bio Persada RecoveryJl. RS. Fatmawati 39, IECJakarta 12430, IndonesiaEmail: [email protected]: 62-81380394653Tel: 62-21-75906715, 75906505Fax: 62-21-75906604Website: http://cocona-vco.id.88db.com

ACTIVATED CARBON AND COCONUTCHARCOAL BRIQUETTE

Ready stock/supply capacity: 40 tons a month.Offered selling price: USD 340 per ton FOB Makassar,Indonesia. Warehouse and factory open for visit orsurvey. For further details contact:Mr. JadmikoPT. Asmir Agro PrimaJl. Insinyur Sutami No. 3, MakasarMobile: +62-82190659999Email: [email protected]

Business OpportunitiesVCO AND VCO-BASED PRODUCTS

Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) made in Indonesia bycentrifugal process is available for domestic andinternational market. Other VCO based products suchas herbal scent body soap, hand body lotion, coco-spabody scrub and sprayed flu care are also available.Interested parties may directly contact SME producer:Mr. Wisnu GardjitoCEO Sumber Rejeki LtdPermata Duta E3 No. 17, Sukmajaya, DepokWest Java, Indonesia 16415Email:[email protected]: 62-818802921Website: www.thegreencocoisland.net

Source: Cocommunity, May 2013

RAW COCONUT SHELLSRaw hard coconut shells in any desired quantity

and safe packaging obtained from best quality naturalcoconuts for making shell charcoal, shell basedactivated carbon, shell powder and application forchemical industry is available for sale. Interestedparties may directly contact:Selva, Sekhar Export and Import LogisticsS R Stone, 50 A Avudaiyalpura Keela Street,Indinthakarai Post, Thirunelveli DistrictTamilnadu -627 104Phone: 0091 9629111747/00919941659680Email: [email protected]

Krishi Fair 2013Coconut Development Board,

State Centre participated in 3rd

Krishi Fair 2013 organised by ShreeShrikshetra Soochana, Puri from19th to 23rd May 2013 at Puri. Dr.S. C. Jamir, Hon’ble Governer ofOdisha inaugurated the fair. SriBrajakishore Tripathy, formerUnion Minister and Shri NabaKumar Nayak, Collector, Puri werethe guests of honour. Dr. S. C. JamirGovernor of Odisha visited all thestalls. Board exhibited value addedproducts of coconut like virgincoconut oil, VC capsule, desiccated

coconut, coconut milk, coconut jam,squash, coconut oil, coconut milk

powder, other handicraft items,photographs on various activitiesand achievements of the Board.

A view of the Board’s stall in Krishi Fair 2013

News


Management

Monthly operations in coconut gardens

Andaman & Nicobar Islands :

Open basins around palms of aradius of 2m from the base of thepalm. Apply 25 to 50 kg of cattlemanure or compost and 10-20 kgof ash per tree and cover the basinswith soil. Remove the weeds in thenursery.

Andhra Pradesh: Continuemanure application if not doneduring June. Plant seedlings in themain field. As a prophylacticmeasure against the infestation ofrhinoceros beetle, fill the youngestthree leaf axils with a mixture of250g powdered marotti/ neem cakewith equal volume of sand or placenaphthalene balls (12g/palm) andcover them with sand thrice a year.If the attack of the mite is noticed,spray neem oil - garlic – soapemulsion 2 percent (20 ml neem oil+20 g garlic emulsion + 5 g soap in1litre water) or commercialbotanical pesticides containingazadirachtin 0.004 per cent @ 4mlper litre on bunches, especially onthe perianth region of buttons andaffected nuts or root feed neemformulations containing azadirachtin5 per cent @ 7.5 ml with equalquantity of water.

Assam: Do not allow rain water toaccumulate in the pits oftransplanted seedlings. Clean thecrowns of the palms. If stembleeding disease is noticed, (1)remove the affected tissues of thestem and apply 5 percent calixin onthe wound. When this is dry applywarm coal tar (2) root feed the

affected palm with 5 ml calixin in100 ml water per palm at quarterlyintervals (3) apply 5 kg neem cakeper palm per year along with theorganic manure during the postmonsoon period (4) regulate fieldregime by providing proper drainageduring rains and irrigating the palmsduring summer. If bud rot diseaseis noticed, remove and clean theinfected tissues and apply Bordeauxpaste on the affected portion. Thetreated portion should be given aprotective covering to preventwashing out of the paste duringrains. Spray the neighbouring plantswith 1 percent bordeaux mixture.Adopt plant protection measurerswhen the weather is clear. Removethe weeds from the nursery.

Bihar / Madhya Pradesh/Chhattisgarh : Provide properdrainage; do not allow rain waterto accumulate for a long time in thepits. Transplant selected goodquality seedlings in the alreadyprepared and half filled pits. Drenchthe basins of transplanted seedlingswith 0.05 percent chlorpyriphos

twice at 20 to 25 days intervalagainst the attack of termites. Apply2 kg bone meal or singlesuperphosphate in the pit beforeplanting. Open the basins aroundthe palm of a radius of 2m upto adepth of 15-20 cm, and applymanures and fertilizers and coverwith soil. During this month apply30-50 kg farmyard manure/compost per palm in the basinbefore the application of fertilizers.In irrigated and well maintainedgardens apply the fertilizers @ 275gof urea, 500g single super phosphateand 500g muriate of potash. In rainfed gardens apply the first dose (1/3 of the recommended dose) offertilizers i.e. 250g urea, 350g singlesuperphosphate and 400 g muriateof potash, per adult palm and coverwith soil. The gaps caused by thedeath of seedlings (previous year’splanting) should be filled up,preferably with polybag seedlings.Similarly, remove all unhealthy anddefective seedlings and replant withhealthy seedlings. Check the palmsfor bud rot. If bud rot is found,remove the affected parts and applybordeaux paste. Spray theneighbouring palms/ seedlings with1 per cent bordeaux mixture.

Karnataka : Open circular basinsaround the palm, of a radius of 2m.Take appropriate control measuresif attacks of rhinoceros beetle andred palm weevil are noticed. Keepthe garden free of weeds. Give aprophylactic spray with 1 per centbordeaux mixture if not given during

June

Grub of Cockchafer beetle


Management

the last month. Seedlings can beplanted during this month. If theattack of the mite is noticed, sprayneem oil - garlic – soap emulsion 2percent (20 ml neem oil + 20g garlicemulsion + 5g soap in 1 litre water)or commercial botanical pesticidescontaining azadirachtin 0.004 percent @ 4ml per litre on bunches,especially on the perianth region ofbuttons and affected nuts or rootfeed neem formulations containingazadirachtin 5 per cent @ 7.5 mlwith equal quantity of water.

Kerala/Lakshadweep: Openbasins around the palms, of a radiusof 2 m and fill them with greenmanure cuttings or green leaves @25kg per palm or bulky organicmanures like cowdung, compost,etc.@ 50kg per adult palm andclose the basins partially, if not donein June. Clean the pits in whichseedlings have been planted. Searchthe crowns of trees for rhinocerosbeetle, red

palm weevil and also for bud rotdisease. Take steps to check them.Clean the crown of the palm. If theattack of the mite is noticed, sprayneem oil – garlic – soap emulsion 2percent (20 ml neem oil + 20g garlicemulsion + 5g soap in 1 litre water)or commercial botanical pesticidescontaining azadirachtin 0.004 percent @ 4ml per litre on bunches,especially on the perianth region ofbuttons and affected nuts or rootfeed neem formulations containingazadirachtin 5 per cent @ 7.5 mlwith equal quantity of water.Remove the weeds from thenursery.

Maharashtra/ Goa/ Gujarat:Bury husk in trenches betweenpalms with concave side up. Aprophylactic spray with 1 per cent

bordeaux mixture may be givenagainst fungal diseases.

Orissa: As a prophylactic measureagainst the infestation of rhinocerosbeetle, fill the youngest three leafaxils with a mixture of 250gpowdered marotti/ neem cake withequal volume of sand or placenaphthalene balls(12g/palm) andcover them with sand thrice a year.Hook out the rhinoceros beetles.Manure vegetables and othercrops. Give a prophylactic spraywith 1 per cent bordeaux mixtureagainst fungal diseases.

the youngest three leaf axils with amixture of 250g powdered marotti/neem cake with equal volume ofsand or place naphthalene balls(12g/ palm) and cover them withsand thrice a year. Planting ofseedlings in the main field can bedone during this month. Searchpalms affected by Thanjavur wiltand take appropriate managementpractices. If the attack of the miteis noticed, spray neem oil - garlic –soap emulsion 2 percent (20 mlneem oil + 20g garlic emulsion + 5gsoap in 1 litre water) or commercialbotanical pesticides containingazadirachtin 0.004 per cent @ 4mlper litre on bunches, especially onthe perianth region of buttons andaffected nuts or root feed neemformulations containing azadirachtin5 per cent @ 7.5 ml with equalquantity of water.

Tripura: Basin around the palmshould be cleaned by removing theweeds. Green manure crops sownin May if any, should be ploughedand incorporated during the month.As a prophylactic measure againstthe infestation of rhinoceros beetle,fill the youngest three leaf axils witha mixture of 250g powderedmarotti/ neem cake with equalvolume of sand or placenaphthalene balls (12g/ palm) andcover them with sand thrice a year.Collected seed nuts may be sownin seed beds without delay bytaking advantage of the rain.

West Bengal: Apply greenmanure at the rate of 25 kg perpalm. Keep the garden free ofweeds. Start planting of seedlingsin the main field. A prophylacticspray of 1 percent bordeaux mixtureagainst fungal diseases may begiven.

Tamil Nadu/ Puducherry: Openbasins around the palms. Keep thegarden free of weeds. Give thepalms a prophylactic spray with oneper cent bordeaux mixture toprevent bud rot and other fungaldiseases. Apply the first dose offertilizers i.e. 300g urea, 500g singlesuperphosphate and 500 g muriateof potash per adult palm if notapplied during last month. Searchfor rhinoceros beetle on the crownsof the palms with the beetle hookand kill the beetles. As aprophylactic measure against theinfestation of rhinoceros beetle, fill

Bud rot affected palm


Market Review - April 2013

Highlights

! The monthly average price of milling copra and coconut oil expresseda slight increase over the previous month though a downward trendwas noticed during April 2013 at all the major markets.

! The international price of coconut oil expressed a downward trendduring the month under report.

The month of April witnessed adownward trend in the prices ofcopra and coconut oil at allimportant markets in Kerala. Theprice of coconut at Nedumangadmarket remained steady through outthe month.

COCONUT OILThe price of coconut oil quoted

at all the major marketing centresin the country expressed adownward trend during the monthof April 2013, but the monthlyaverage price in April 2013 inKochi, Alappuzha and Kozhikodemarkets were marginally higherthan the price of March 2013.

The monthly average price ofcoconut oil at Kochi was Rs. 6352/- per quintal. The price of coconutoil at Alappuzha market also movedin tune with the price behavior ofKochi market. The monthly average

price was Rs. 6323/- per quintal atAlappuzha market and Rs.6633/- atKozhikode market.

MILLING COPRAThe monthly average prices of

FAQ copra recorded at Kochimarket was Rs.4453/- per quintal.The monthly average prices of Rasicopra at Alappuzha market wasRs.4467/- and at Kozhikode marketwas Rs.4460/- per quintal. Theprices at Kochi, Alappuzha andKozhikode were marginally higherthan that of the previous month.The Minimum Support Price ofmilling copra has been fixed at Rs.5250/- per quintal for 2013 season.

The monthly average prices ofmilling copra at Ambajipeta marketin Andhra Predesh was Rs.4220/-per quintal.

EDIBLE COPRAThe monthly average prices of

Rajapur copra at Kozhikode marketwas Rs.4673/- per quintal, whichwas marginally lower compared tothe price of the previous month.

The monthly average prices ofball copra at Kozhikode marketaveraged at Rs.4223/- per quintal.

The monthly prices of ball copraat APMC market Tiptur, inKarnataka averaged at Rs. 4634/-per quintal in April 2013 while it wasRs 4870/- in Bangalore and Rs.4634/- in Arsikere.

The Minimum Support Price ofedible copra has been fixed at Rs.5500/- per quintal for 2013 season.

DRY COCONUTThe monthly average price of

dry coconut was around Rs.4231/-per thousand nuts at Kozhikodemarket which was about 6 percenthigher than that of the previousmonth.

COCONUTThe monthly average price of

Rs.7210/- per thousand nuts fordehusked coconut at Nedumangadmarket was marginally higher thanthat of the previous month.

Price behaviour of coconut oil during April 2013

Market Review

Deepthi Nair S.Marketing Officer, CDB, Kochi

Price behaviour of milling copra during April 2013

6450 6450

63006283 6275

6325

6400

6300 6292 6300

6567

6650 6650 6650 6650

6200

6300

6400

6500

6600

6700

6800

6-4-13 13-4-13 20-4-13 27-4-13 30-4-13

Kochi Alappuzha Kozhikode

4460 4469

44294446

44634483

4504

4433

44634450

4500

4446 4438

44674450

4300

4100

4200

4300

4200

4000

4100

4200

4300

4400

4500

4600

6-4-13 13-4-13 20-4-13 27-4-13 30-4-13

Rs.

/Qtl

.

Date

Kochi Alappuzha Kozhikode Ambajipeta


Arsikere APMC marketrecorded an average of Rs.6528/-for thousand partially dehusked nutswhich was about 5 percent higherthan that of previous month.

The monthly average price ofpartially dehusked coconut atBangalore APMC market was Rs.7083/- which was about 8 percentlower than that of previous month.

The monthly average price ofpartially dehusked coconut Grade-1 quality at Mangalore APMC

Market PriceCoconut Oil Milling Copra Edible Ball Copra Dry Coconut Partially dehusked

Copra coconut coconut

Rs. / Qtl. Rs. / 1000 nuts Date Kochi Alappu- Kozhi- Kochi Alappu Kozhi- Karkala Kozhi- Kozhi- Tiptur Bang- Arsi- Kozhi- Nedum- Arsi- Bang- Mang-

zha kode (FAQ) zha kode kode kode lore kere kode angad kere lore alore(Rasi (Grade -1)Copra)

6-4-13 6450 6325 6567 4460 4483 4500 4300 4667 4213 4600 5000 4592 4217 7200 6500 7250 11000

13-4-13 6450 6400 6650 4469 4504 4446 4100 4700 4200 4633 4900 4627 4220 7250 6917 7167 8667

20-4-13 6300 6300 6650 4429 4433 4438 4200 4708 4250 4654 4850 4698 4250 7200 6042 7000 9000

27-4-13 6283 6292 6650 4446 4463 4467 4300 4642 4250 4683 4800 4680 4217 7200 6433 7000 8833

30-4-13 6275 6300 6650 4463 4450 4450 4200 4650 4200 4600 4800 4575 4250 7200 6750 7000 9000

Average 6352 6323 6633 4453 4467 4460 4220 4673 4223 4634 4870 4634 4231 7210 6528 7083 9300

Source: Kochi: Cochin Oil Merchants Association and Chamber of Commerce, Kochi - 2, Kozhikode: The Mathrubhumi dailyAlapuzha: The Malayala Manorama daily, Arsikere : APMC, ArsikerePrice quoted for office pass copra at Kozhikode and Rasi copra at Alappuzha markets.

Market Review

market slid to Rs.9300/- perthousand nuts which was about 15percent lower than that of theprevious month.

The monthly average price ofcoconut was Rs.34/- at Sonitpurand Rs.40/- at Guwahati in Assam,while it was Rs.50/- at Aizawl inMizoram and Rs. 25/- at Agartalain Tripua.

TENDER COCONUTThe retail price of tender

coconut at Kochi market ranged

from Rs.20 to 25/- per nut. Themonthly average price of tendercoconut at Guwahati in Assam wasRs.25/- per nut while it was Rs.50at Aizawl in Mizoram and Rs. 20/-at Agartala in Tripura.

INTERNATIONAL PRICEThe monthly average price of

US $800 per MT for coconut oil inEurope (C.I.F. Rotterdam) for themonth of April 2013 was marginallylower when compared with theprice of the previous month andlower by about 41 percentcompared to that of thecorresponding month last year. Themonthly average price of US$528per MT for copra was about 6percent lower than that of theprevious month and about 61percent lower than that of thecorresponding month last year.

The domestic price ofcoconut oil during the month ofApril 2013 in Philippines wasUS$792 per MT and in Indonesia;the price was US$806 per MT. Theinternational price of Palm oil, Palmkernel oil (RBD) and Soybean oilwere US$843, US$828 andUS$1101 per MT respectively.

Monthly average prices of mature nut, tender nut and ball coprain North Eastern Region during April 2013

Products Mature nuts (in Rs./ nut)

Tender Nuts (in Rs./ nut)

Ball Copra (in Rs./ Kg.)

ASSAM

Guwahati 40 25 85

Nelbari 36 15 170

Nagoan NA. NA NA

Sonitpur 34 18 NA

Darrang 47 23 130

Karimganj 25 20 95

Silchar 24 25 NA

NAGALAND

Dimapur 31 19 110

MIZORAM

Aizawl 50 50 NA

TRIPURA

Agarthala 25 20 98

neera - a treasure house of untapped potential · neera per day, which may go even up ... neera...

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