Eluru sees shift in farming pattern as farmers move from sugarcane to coconut

ELURU: Once known as a major sugarcane-growing region, Eluru district is witnessing a gradual change in its farming pattern.

Key points

• Even if the cost of the nut falls, there is a market for tender coconut, fibre, shell and oil.
• The shift towards coconut is additionally linked to the changing fortunes of the sugar industry.
• Coconut has emerged as an significant alternative crop in the district.
• Farmers opt for coconut cultivation since they secure income from different sources.
• Farmers remarked coconut costs vary according to demand, season and market conditions.

Coconut has emerged as an significant alternative crop in the district. According to Horticulture Joint Director Habib Basha coconut is cultivated on around 45, 000 acres by almost 15, 000 farmers. The crop is widely grown in Pedavegi, Dwaraka Tirumala, Kamavarapukota, T. Narasapuram, Lingapalem, Chintalapudi, Jangareddygudem and Denduluru mandals.

Farmers opt for coconut cultivation since they secure income from different sources. Mature coconuts, tender coconuts, coconut water, oil, fibre and shells all have commercial value. Coconut fibre, which was earlier often treated as waste, can now be processed into coir and other value-added products, providing an extra source of income.

Farmers remarked coconut costs vary according to demand, season and market conditions. While demand generally increases during festivals and other peak consumption periods, a coconut can fetch around Rs 20 to Rs 30. While bottled coconut water is additionally gaining popularity, tender coconut has a separate market.

Sridhar, a farmer from Gopannapalem, remarked he had cultivated lemon for almost four decades before suffering a loss of around `8 lakh when his lemon crop on eight acres was damaged. The financial setback forced him to sell his house and land. He has now taken up coconut cultivation on two acres and is working in the plantation himself.

"Coconut gives us income in different ways. Even if the cost of the nut falls, there is a market for tender coconut, fibre, shell and oil. Nothing much goes waste, " he remarked.

Notably, the shift towards coconut is additionally linked to the changing fortunes of the sugar industry. While the Vuyyur unit is functioning, according to available information, bhimadole, Taduvai, Chagallu, Pothavaram and Tanuku sugar units are not at present operational.

For now, eluru sees shift in farming pattern as farmers move from sugarcane to remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.