India has retained its position as the world’s largest coconut producer, accounting for 31.24 per cent of global output, while ranking third in area under coconut cultivation.

According to TV BRICS, India produced more than 20.3 billion coconuts in 2024–2025 across approximately 2.19 million hectares, with average productivity reaching 9,249 nuts per hectare.

About 2,175 hectares of additional land were brought under coconut cultivation across several Indian states during 2025–2026, benefiting 13,068 farmers, according to the factsheet.

India accounts for 17.90 per cent of the world’s coconut cultivation area, highlighting the country’s comparatively high output from its plantations.

Kerala has India’s largest coconut-growing area, covering approximately 754,000 hectares and producing about 5.15 billion nuts.

Tamil Nadu is the country’s leading producer by output, while Andhra Pradesh records the highest productivity, followed by West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.

The government is also seeking to increase the value generated from the crop by encouraging the production of processed coconut products.

India’s coconut export basket now extends beyond traditional products to include virgin coconut oil, coconut milk and activated carbon.

The government has set targets to expand coconut-related exports by 2030 and 2047, while policy measures also aim to strengthen sustainability, processing capacity, and rural livelihoods.

(TV BRICS/NAN)