Coconut growers in Gujarat are seeking post-Lok Sabha election governmental support to expand their businesses and contribute to the state’s agricultural sector. With a long history of coconut cultivation in the region, farmers are eager to meet the increasing demand for coconut products both locally and internationally.
Recognizing the potential economic benefits, coconut growers are advocating for subsidies for modern farming equipment, access to affordable loans, and technical training programs to enhance productivity and quality.
Chetan Rawal, a coconut grower, highlighted the need for a reliable distribution mechanism for coconut saplings without the ‘rationing’ method. He emphasized the importance of ensuring sapling quality and suggested that the government should distribute saplings without rationing to benefit all growers.
Rawal also suggested that the government and Indian Railways could explore measures to reduce freight costs for coconut transportation. He proposed increasing the availability of wagons at Verawal and Kasod to reduce transportation costs significantly.
Raju Bhai, a coconut supplier, emphasized the need for political leaders to take interest in the coconut industry. He also called on the government to address permit-related issues to facilitate industry growth.
Coconut suppliers aim not only to increase their income but also to create employment opportunities and boost Gujarat’s overall economy. Additionally, expanding coconut cultivation aligns with the government’s green initiatives for sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation.
Gujarat is set to vote for 25 out of 26 parliamentary seats in the Lok Sabha elections on May 7. BJP candidate Mukesh Dalal was elected unopposed in Surat after the Congress party’s candidate Nilesh Kumbhani’s nomination papers were rejected. His three proposers claimed in an affidavit to the district election officer that they had not signed his nomination form.