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Coconut production in Kerala since 2012


The data table shows the area, production, and productivity of coconut in Kerala from 2012-13 to 2022-23. Analysing each pattern over the years:

Area

  • The area under coconut cultivation in Kerala has fluctuated slightly over the years.
  • The peak area was in 2013-14 (808.647 thousand ha) and generally decreased afterward, reaching 760.354 thousand ha by 2022-23.
  • The reduction in cultivated area over the decade suggests a possible shift in land use or a response to challenges in coconut cultivation.

Production

  • Production also varied over the years, with a high of 5947 million nuts in 2014-15.
  • There was a notable drop in production from 2016-17 to 2020-21, with the lowest production recorded in 2020-21 (4788 million nuts).
  • Production increased again in the last two years, reaching 5641 million nuts in 2022-23, indicating a recovery.

Productivity

  • Productivity, which measures nuts produced per hectare, showed an increase until 2015-16, peaking at 7491 nuts/ha.
  • After 2015-16, productivity decreased significantly, bottoming out at 6228 nuts/ha in 2020-21.
  • A positive trend resumed from 2021-22, reaching 7419 nuts/ha in 2022-23, which indicates an improvement in farming practices or conditions.

Conclusion

Decline and Recovery:  There is a general trend of decline in both area and production from 2014-15 to 2020-21, followed by a recovery in productivity in the last two years. The reasons for the decline might include adverse weather conditions, pest attacks, or a decline in farmer interest due to economic factors.

Recent Improvements:  The increase in productivity since 2021-22 suggests better management practices, perhaps through new technologies, better pest control, or improved irrigation techniques.

Future Prospects:  While the total area under cultivation is decreasing, the improvement in productivity indicates that, even with less land, Kerala is managing to maintain and potentially improve coconut production. This trend could signal a shift towards more intensive and efficient cultivation practices.