Introduction
Coconut (Cocos nucifera) plays a significant role in the agrarian economy of India. Apart from the
importance of copra and coconut oil which is widely used in the manufacture of soaps, hair oil, cosmetics
and other industrial products, the husk is a source of fibre which supports a sizable coir industry. The
tender nut supplies coconut water, a popular thirst quencher of health and hygienic value.
Distribution
Coconut is grown in more than 80 countries of the world with a total production of 49 billion nuts. India
occupies a predominant position in respect of production of coconut in the world. The shares of coconut
growing countries in production are: Indonesia (25.7%), Philippines (23.2%), India (23%), Sri Lanka
(4.4%), others (13.7%) and other APCC countries (10%). The productivity of the crop is the highest in
India with 7572 nuts/ha.
