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Title: Problems being faced by the farmers due to non-procurement of coconut by the State Government of Tamil Nadu.
SHRI K. SUGUMAR (POLLACHI): Madam Chairman, thank you for giving me this opportunity to raise an important issue regarding the plight of the coconut growers of Coimbatore, Tirupur and Erode districts of Tamil Nadu.
The production cost of coconut is too high in comparison to the market price of the coconut. The price of coconut is only 60 per cent compared to the year 1990. The cost of fertilizer, labour and other expenses have also increased cent per cent. Due to the low cost of coconut in the market, the growers are facing huge problems.
I had raised the same matter during the Question Hour of the Lok Sabha vide Question No. 442. While answering the Question, the hon. Minister told that the Government is paying Rs.44.50 as the cost for one kilogram copra and Rs.12,000 per tonne for coconut. In Tamil Nadu, coconuts are not procured but the procurement of copra is going on. I had requested the hon. Minister, through my question, to start the procurement of coconuts for the welfare of the coconut growers. While answering my question, the hon. Minister said that he would give directions to the Government of Tamil Nadu to start the procurement of coconuts. But till now, no action has been taken by the State Government as assured by the hon. Minister.
While the procurement of coconut has already been started in the nearby Kerala State one month back, the adjacent districts like Coimbatore, Erode and Tirupur in Tamil Nadu have been neglected. The Tamil Nadu Government is not taking any action in this regard. For the welfare of the coconut growers of Coimbatore, Erode and Tirupur districts of Tamil Nadu, I would request the hon. Minister, through this House, to direct the Tamil Nadu Government to start the procurement of coconut in the above said districts for the welfare of the agriculturists. Thank you.