വെളിച്ചെണ്ണ: Coconut Oil Prices in Kerala: Middlemen Profit Amid Price Drops

Despite a significant drop in coconut prices, middlemen in southern Kerala are inflating rates, causing financial strain on consumers. The price of green coconuts has decreased from 78 rupees per kilogram to just 42 rupees.

The current market scenario reveals that dried coconuts now cost around 52 rupees per kilogram, while copra has fallen from 200 rupees to 150 rupees. Coconut oil prices have similarly plummeted from over 500 rupees per liter to approximately 260 rupees.

This drastic decline—about a 40% drop—has left many farmers facing a severe financial crisis. They had enjoyed a ‘golden period’ of higher prices before this sudden downturn, which is largely attributed to increased production in Tamil Nadu and export disruptions to the Gulf stemming from regional conflicts.

Interestingly, while northern Kerala sees green coconuts priced around 40-42 rupees per kilogram, southern districts are selling them for as much as 65-70 rupees. This apparent market manipulation by middlemen is drawing urgent calls for government intervention to stabilize prices and support struggling farmers.

The situation raises questions about the sustainability of coconut farming in the region. Observers note that the current heatwave has led to an unexpected surge in coconut supply, yet it hasn’t translated into fair pricing for consumers or equitable returns for farmers.