Table of Contents
Introduction
India is one of the world’s leading producers of coconuts, with several states playing a crucial role in cultivating this versatile crop. Coconuts hold immense significance in Indian agriculture, culture, and industry. They provide livelihoods to millions of farmers and serve as a key raw material for various sectors, including food processing, cosmetics, and traditional medicine. From coconut oil and coir to tender coconut water, every part of the coconut tree is utilized, making it an indispensable part of daily life.
Coconut is a major tropical crop cultivated in over 90 countries worldwide, with India, Indonesia, and the Philippines ranking among the top producers. Favorable coastal climatic conditions make India one of the largest coconut-producing nations. The crop significantly contributes to the rural economy, agricultural GDP, and export earnings.
Now, let us explore the top 10 coconut-producing states in India for 2023-24 in detail.
Top 10 Coconut Producing States in India
- Karnataka
- Tamil Nadu
- Kerala
- Andhra Pradesh
- West Bengal
- Odisha
- Maharashtra
- Gujarat
- Assam
- Bihar
Karnataka
Karnataka ranks first in coconut production in India for 2023-24, with a total output of 5008.53 kilotonnes, contributing significantly to the country’s overall production. Coconut cultivation spans approximately 7333.2 km² across the state. The major coconut-producing regions in Karnataka include Tumakuru, Hassan, and Mandya.
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu ranks second in coconut production in 2023-24, with a total output of 3942.97 kilotonnes. The crop was cultivated over 4984.0 km² in the state. The major coconut-producing regions include Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Thanjavur, and Dindigul.
Kerala
Kerala ranks third in coconut production in 2023-24, with a total output of 3894.75 kilotonnes. Coconut cultivation spans 7597.7 km² across the state. The key producing regions are Kozhikode, Thrissur, Alappuzha, Kannur, Malappuram, Ernakulam, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram.
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh ranks fourth in coconut production in 2023-24, with a total output of 1181.56 kilotonnes. The crop is grown over 1073.7 km² in the state. The primary coconut-producing regions include Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, and Srikakulam.
West Bengal
West Bengal ranks fifth in coconut production in 2023-24, with a total output of 289.64 kilotonnes. Coconut is cultivated across 329.3 km² in the state. The major producing regions include North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, and Nadia.
Odisha
Odisha ranks sixth in coconut production in 2023-24, with a total output of 274.71 kilotonnes. The crop is cultivated over 549.4 km² in the state. The main coconut-growing regions include Puri, Ganjam, Cuttack, Khorda, and Jagatsinghpur.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra ranks seventh in coconut production in 2023-24, with a total output of 180.70 kilotonnes. The crop is cultivated across 313.2 km² in the state. The key coconut-producing regions include Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Raigad, and Palghar.
Gujarat
Gujarat ranks eighth in coconut production in 2023-24, with a total output of 165.74 kilotonnes. The cultivation area spans 260.0 km² in the state. The major coconut-growing regions include Gir Somnath, Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Valsad, Kutch, Navsari, and Devbhumi Dwarka.
Assam
Assam ranks ninth in coconut production in 2023-24, with a total output of 122.67 kilotonnes. The crop is cultivated over 201.9 km² in the state. The primary coconut-producing regions lie in the Central and Lower Brahmaputra Valley zones, particularly Nagaon, Barpeta, and Nalbari.
Bihar
Bihar ranks tenth in coconut production in 2023-24, with a total output of 31.94 kilotonnes. Coconut is grown across 108.2 km² in the state. The main producing region is the Kosi region in North Bihar.
Top 10 States in India Based on Coconut Productivity
- Andhra Pradesh
- West Bengal
- Tamil Nadu
- Karnataka
- Gujarat
- Nagaland
- Assam
- Maharashtra
- Kerala
- Odisha
Fun Facts About Coconut
- Coconuts can withstand saline water, high temperatures, and drought-like conditions, making them well-suited for tropical climates.
- Coconuts hold deep cultural significance in Hindu rituals, where breaking a coconut symbolizes the removal of obstacles and is considered auspicious.
- Coconut coir, derived from the husk, is widely used in eco-friendly products such as biodegradable plant pots, doormats, ropes, and erosion control mats.
- Coconut oil is a key ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine, valued for its healing properties and widely used in skincare, haircare, and cooking.
- World Coconut Day is celebrated on September 2 to promote awareness of coconut’s role in the economy, agriculture, and daily life.
- Every part of the coconut tree is useful, from the husk and shell to the water, oil, and leaves, making it a zero-waste crop.
- India is a major exporter of coconut-based products, including coconut oil, desiccated coconut, activated carbon, and tender coconut water, supplying both Asian and global markets.
- Botanically, a coconut is a one-seeded drupe (stone fruit), but it is also considered a nut and a seed, making it one of the few plants with multiple classifications.
- Coconut palms can live for 60-80 years, continuously producing coconuts for decades and playing a vital role in supporting tropical economies.
- Coconut seeds can float on water, allowing them to spread naturally across coastal regions and tropical islands.
Common FAQs
Q. Which state is the largest producer of coconut in India in 2023-24?
A. Karnataka is the largest producer of coconut in India in 2023-24.
Q. Which state is the second-largest producer of coconut in India in 2023-24?
A. Tamil Nadu ranks second in coconut production in India in 2023-24.
Q. What are the top five coconut-producing states in India in 2023-24?
A. The top five coconut-producing states in India are Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal in 2023-24.
Q. Which state has the highest coconut productivity in India in 2023-24?
A. Andhra Pradesh has the highest coconut productivity in India in 2023-24.
Q. Which state has the largest area under coconut cultivation in 2023-24?
A. Kerala has the largest area under coconut cultivation in India in 2023-24.
Q. What is the total area under coconut cultivation in India in 2023-24?
A. The total area under coconut cultivation in India is 23,330.2 km² in 2023-24.
Q. What is the scientific name of coconut?
A. The scientific name of coconut is Cocos nucifera.
Q. To which plant family does coconut belong?
A. Coconut belongs to the Arecaceae (palm) family.
Q. What is coconut called in different parts of India?
A. Coconut is known as Narikel, Narikela, Narial, Kobbarikaya, Thenga in different Indian languages.
