SINGH 2 LAST

Describing coconut as an integral part of Indian Describing coconut as an integral part of Indianculture and tradition, religious and social rituals, Singhsaid so far 9720 coconut committees, 700 producer federationsand 61 coconut producer companies have been formed across thecountry. "I hope that through these farmer groups, CoconutDevelopment BoardÂ’s plan will be operationalised and farmerswould hold their share in processing, marketing and export ofcoconut products," the union minister said. On steps taken by the central government, he saidminimum support price of milling copra was hiked from Rs 5550to Rs 5950 and for edible copra from Rs 5830 to Rs 6240. Moreover, the government’s new foreign trade policyfor 2015-20 is to promote export of coconut products, exportsvalue (FOB) of up to 5 per cent as incentives are given. Theexport of coconut products is likely to rise in the future,because price is being extremely competitive. Awards were presented on the occasion to variousgroups, individuals and organisations. PTI SKN KKMR