Coconut production is an integral part of the Indian economy. As per a report published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, India was the world's third largest coconut producer in 2009. Indonesia and Philippines were the top ranked countries in the list. The limitless uses and benefits of coconut make it an important cash crop in the global market. In India, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh are the largest producers of coconut. The existence of apt climatic conditions and other factors allow these regions to make major contributions to the country's coconut bank.
There are only two varieties of coconuts; the tall and the dwarf. Tall varieties have a life-span of around 80-90 years and coconut trees of this variety can grow up to a height of 15 to 18 meters. Whereas short varieties have an average life span of around 40 to 50 years and they can grow up to a height of 5 to 7 meters. The tall and short varieties also have their own types which grow in separate parts of the country. Furthermore, there are hybrid varieties of coconut trees aimed at improved fruit quality.
Large-scale coconut production has its own pre-requisites like apt weather conditions, proper soil, and proximity to the sea. To begin with, a coarse sand soil is deemed perfect for coconut plantation. The plant requires a year-round warm and humid climate, and hence, a close proximity to the sea as well as the equator is required. Lots of sunshine with high humidity levels are suitable for coconut production. Temperatures above 24°C and an average annual rainfall of around 150 cm a year is also crucial for large-scale coconut plantation. Coconut trees are rarely seen in low humidity areas and the plant does not survive for too long in cold conditions. In fact, freezing and frosty conditions prove to be fatal for the plant. The tree does not bear fruit amidst unsuitable weather conditions.
Coconuts, once fully mature, generally fall from the tree and are easily collected thereafter. A coconut has countless uses and each part of the produce has its own distinct purpose(s). The kernel, the shell, and the husks, all have different purposes. Coconut water, coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut jam, charcoal, handicrafts, fuel are among the few uses of coconut. Coconuts are exotic and edible fruits which are a part of the daily diets of millions of people. The underlying factors behind the production of this amazing fruit should only encourage you to increase your daily dosage of coconut related products. Go ahead, crack it open!
