economy

Kerala to launch coconut rejuvenation project to boost productivity, says minister

Published on: 10 Aug 2026, 11:02 AM

The Kerala government will soon launch a coconut rejuvenation project aimed at increasing production in the state, Agriculture Minister T. Siddique has announced. The project comes amid concerns that Kerala, which has the largest area under coconut cultivation in the country, records one of the lowest levels of productivity.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the Agricultural Urban Wholesale Market at Vengeri here on Monday (August 10, 2026), the minister said high-yielding coconut seedlings will be distributed to farmers as part of the initiative. Preliminary discussions on the project are scheduled to be held on Farmers' Day, which falls on August 17.

Kerala's coconut sector has long been a cornerstone of its rural economy, but ageing palms, disease, and inconsistent farming practices have contributed to declining yields. The rejuvenation project is expected to address these challenges by replacing low-yield trees with improved varieties, thereby enhancing the income of coconut farmers.

In addition to the coconut project, the minister outlined plans for agriculture marketing and infrastructure. He said the department has already initiated steps to set up 2,000 vegetable markets across Kerala in connection with the upcoming Onam season. Measures are being taken to prevent a spike in vegetable prices during the festival period, he added.

A permanent organic vegetable market will be established at the Vengeri market, which will also be developed as a major hub for coconut-related activities. The minister said the waste management system at the market will be expanded, and the premises will not be allowed to be used for purposes unrelated to agriculture.

Mr. Siddique said unused land in and around the market would be brought under cultivation. He added that a high-level meeting will be convened in Thiruvananthapuram soon after reports sought in connection with the Vengeri market are received.

K. Jayanth, MLA, and other officials accompanied the minister during the visit.

Source: The Hindu

Latest in Economy 10

economy

Rupee slips 11 paise to 95.84 as crude oil holds above $100 amid West Asia uncertainty

The rupee fell 11 paise to 95.84 against the U.S. dollar in early trade on Thursday, pressured by a stronger dollar, firm U.S. bond yields and crude oil prices holding above $100 a barrel amid stalled West Asia diplomacy. Domestic equities also declined, with the Sensex down 506 points, though foreign investors remained net buyers of Indian shares on Wednesday.

The Hindu 24 Sep 2026, 05:10 AM

economy

Spinning mills urge Centre to scrap 11% cotton import duty permanently

The Southern India Mills' Association has renewed its demand for the permanent removal of the 11 per cent import duty on cotton, saying the levy fuels price volatility across the textile value chain. SIMA chairman Durai Palaniswamy also sought curbs on speculation and a review of the Cotton Corporation of India's pricing policy, while the association announced its office bearers for 2026-27.

The Hindu 22 Sep 2026, 01:50 PM

economy

Chennai Port's ₹73.91-Crore EXIM Godowns Ready: Three Open, Fourth Nearly Done

Three of the four new EXIM godowns at Chennai Port have been completed and leased out, and are already storing rice and steel coils. The ₹73.91-crore project, delayed by supply disruptions linked to the West Asia crisis, will be fully ready once the fourth warehouse is finished.

The Hindu 21 Sep 2026, 01:54 PM

economy

Over 3,670 MSMEs Tap Into PSU Supply Chains as Tamil Nadu Expands Vendor Outreach

Tamil Nadu has held 13 vendor development programmes to connect MSMEs with public sector undertakings, with more than 3,670 small firms benefiting so far, MSME Minister P. Mathan Raja said in Thoothukudi. He cited a ₹2,141 crore budget allocation for MSMEs this year and a ₹600 crore capital subsidy scheme, and said the State's $1.5 trillion economy target for 2036 depends on large industry and small firms working together.

The Hindu 18 Sep 2026, 01:49 PM

economy

State revenue receipts lag at 32% of annual Budget estimate after five months

The State’s revenue receipts reached only 32.14% of the annual Budget estimate at the end of August, with non-tax revenue and grants lagging significantly. Tax collections were relatively better but several heads remained below 40% of their targets. Pensions and interest payments continued to dominate expenditure, while the revenue deficit stood at ₹14,840 crore.

The Hindu 18 Sep 2026, 01:54 PM

economy

Copper at ₹1,450 a kg: Coimbatore's MSMEs squeezed as prices jump 75% in a year

Copper prices in Coimbatore have risen nearly 75% in a year to about ₹1,450 a kg, squeezing MSMEs that make auto components, pumps and electronic goods. Industry representatives say units have passed on only 10%–15% of the increase because prices are fixed annually or once in two years. Rising costs of steel, zinc and petroleum-based products have added to the pressure on the cluster's competitiveness.

The Hindu 16 Sep 2026, 03:31 PM

economy

Food Prices Push Retail Inflation to 4.82% in August, Still Within RBI's Target

Retail inflation in India rose to 4.82% in August, up from 4.45% in July, mainly due to higher food prices. Food inflation increased to 5.95%, while wholesale price inflation climbed to 9.92%. The RBI has kept policy rates unchanged and projects CPI inflation at 5% for 2026-27.

The Hindu 14 Sep 2026, 11:57 AM

economy

Tiruppur knitwear units urge Centre to fix minimum floor price for cotton yarn

A joint committee of Tiruppur knitwear manufacturers and Tamil Nadu textile mill associations has asked the Union government to fix a minimum floor price for cotton yarn and to link yarn exports to it. The panel also sought removal of import duty on cotton for five years, priority CCI supply for State mills, and direct cotton procurement by the Tamil Nadu government.

The Hindu 14 Sep 2026, 01:29 AM

economy

PepsiCo opens first Northeast foods plant in Assam, eyes India in its top 10 global markets

PepsiCo has opened its first foods manufacturing plant in India's Northeast — a 44.2-acre facility at Danguapara in Assam's Nalbari district, and its fifth such unit in the country. The plant, part of the company's investment commitment through 2030, will directly employ 700 people, over 75% of them women, and is expected to support thousands of potato farmers. PepsiCo says the expansion is aimed at placing India among its top 10 global anchor markets.

The Hindu 10 Sep 2026, 03:33 PM

economy

Cabinet Approves Eight Railway Projects Worth ₹20,804 Crore, Adding 1,196 km

The Union Cabinet has approved eight railway multi-tracking projects across six states at a total cost of ₹20,804 crore. The projects, expected to add 1,196 km to the network, aim to improve connectivity and freight movement.

The Hindu 09 Sep 2026, 01:53 PM

→ View All Economy News