INSIDE Neera for the revival of economy ...... 2

Coconut Neera - the hidden unexplored treasure ...... 4 K Muralidharan and Deepthi Nair. S.

‘Keraamritham’- a health drink from coconut inflorescence sap ...... 9 B. Jayaprakash Naik, P R Suresh, Meera Manjusha, P V Balachandran, Madhusubramonian and PC Balakrishnan

Production of Neera and coconut deserves encouragement ...... 11 P.K.Thampan

Coconut palms suitable for Neera tapping ...... 15 Jnanadevan. R THEME Bio Beverage - Coco Neera ...... 17 Neera - a treasure house R. Hali

Indonesia and Philippines – a replicable of untapped potential model to grow sweeter with coconut ... 20 Deepthi Nair. S. Black headed caterpillar spreads across Two Coconut Producer Companies Visakhapatnam ...... 38 established in ...... 24 Tiptur coconut ravaged by pests Production of Neera ...... 25 and diseases ...... 39 Sunil A. Nair, Mejosh Jose, Regi J. Thomas, R.V. Nair News ...... 40 Focus on commercialisation of farmers visited Coconut Development Board technologies to capitalise the Farm Review Meeting opportunities for neera ...... 27 Symposium on Neera Jayashree.A Expert Committee for revitalizing the Regional Commodity Exchanges visited CDB Lakshadweep realizes the potential Meeting of the leaders of Thrissur District CPF of Neera ...... 30 Kozhikode district Coconut Producers Federation Sasikumar C leaders workshop Fruit Festival-2013 Neera Production through CPS,CPF and FoCT and CPS programme spreading across Producer Companies ...... 32 Krishi Fair 2013 Recommendations of Monthly operations in coconut gardens...45 Neera Committee ...... 33

Health benefits of coconut ...... 34 Market Review - April 2013 ...... 47

Our great green umbrellas ...... 35 G.S.Unnikrisnan Nair Chairman’s page

Neera for the revival of coconut economy Dear Coconut Farmers, Neera tapper can ideally tap around 15-20 palms per The coconut farmers are in a very precarious situation day. Based on this assumption, employment potential for quite some time due to multiple issues beset with the estimated is one lakh. Evidently this would be 10 lakh if sector. Frequent fluctuation and fall in price of coconut, we employ 10% of the total palms for Neera production. severity of many pests and diseases, rocketing escalation If farmers are allowed to produce Neera and its value of input cost, fragmentation of holdings etc. are a few added products, it can generate good daily return to to cite. Coconut were subjected to utter the coconut farmer and the Neera tapper. negligence and resultantly coconut farming becomes a The Abkari Act of Kerala (Act 10 of 1967) contains non-profitable enterprise. When monetary value and definitions which wrongly included the zero alcohol profitability are the criteria for nurturing crops, many Neera into Toddy and thus as Liquor. Section 3(10) of other crops made inroads and coconut is getting the act say that “Liquor includes spirits of wine, substituted. In fact it is not a replacement of a tree but a , spirits, wine, toddy, beer and all liquid replacement of a culture. consisting or containing alcohol.” This statement The need for reviving coconut sector has therefore emphasizes that any liquid which consists of or contains become imperative and ways and means for a revival is alcohol is liquor. Under Section 3(8) of the act “Toddy on the agenda of all stakeholders and policy makers. means fermented or unfermented juice drawn from Delinking coconut economy from the clutches of copra- coconut, palmyra, date or any other kind of palm coconut oil over dependency, coupled with developing tree”. This is a contradiction. Unfermented juice of and popularizing more value added products from coconut palm is included under toddy even when it does coconut has been brought out as a viable strategy for not contain alcohol. This definition of Neera defeats the regaining the lost glory of coconut. Coconut intention of the law makers since it gives a wrong Development Board is instrumental in advocating this interpretation of a natural nutritious health drink. message. Neera is the latest addition in the array of value It is pertinent that the Abkari Act came at a time added products which holds the potential to revitalize when food processing technology was not advanced the prospects of coconut farmers of India. and there was no process for maintaining Neera in Neera is the sweet, oyster white coloured sap tapped unfermented stage. Now with the advent of technologies from the ‘spathe’ of coconut. It is a delicious health it is high time that necessary changes are made in the drink, a rich source of , minerals and vitamins. Abkari Act which was conceived 111 years ago. Hence, The most significant characteristic of the product is its amendments in the Abkari Act is the need of the hour. low Glycemic Index (GI is 35), an indicator of the extent Otherwise neera has to be excluded from the definition of sugar absorbed into the blood. Foods with GI less of liquor and clear legislation need to be evolved for than 55 are classified as low GI foods. The global Neera as a nutritious health drink. demand for low GI sugar are on the increase and hence Neera production in Kerala can contribute Neera and coconut as the natural product substantially to the Gross State Domestic Production can fill up this gap. (GSDP). If 50% of the consumer price of Neera is A coconut palm yields on an average two litres of offered to coconut farmer, 25% to Neera technician Neera per day, which may go even up to 4.5 to 5.0 litres and remaining 25% towards processing, packaging and based on the health and management of the palm. Neera marketing costs, it can result in an all round increase in is an unfermented drink which does not contain alcohol. the incomes of all stakeholders. Neera can kick start a But on fermentation neera becomes toddy. Therefore, whole lot of food processing industries too. The export neera production requires adherence of strict procedures potential of coconut palm sugar made of Neera from and cautious handling. Neera is the raw material for Kerala could be double that of the software export from many value added products like palm , palm jaggery the state! and palm sugar which are having high domestic and When 10% of the palms in the state is subject to international demand owing to their high nutritional tapping, the returns from Neera to the GSDP amounts values. to Rs. 54,000 crores (Market price of Neera is taken as In India, coconut is being cultivated by ten million Rs.100 per litre). The generation of rural employment families. Let us consider the case of Kerala where existing through Neera technicians is around 10 lakhs. The total coconut palm population is around 1800 lakh. If a income to the work force of Neera technicians through minimum of 1% of these palms are utilized for neera production of Neera is around Rs.13,500 crores while tapping, there will be 18 lakh palms for this purpose. A the income of the coconut farmers is to the tune of

Indian Coconut Journal 2 May 2013 Chairman’s page

Rs.27,000 crores and around Rs.4,050 crores is like soft drinks. Toddy and neera are entirely different generated as tax revenue to the state through the products and of different qualities. Neera is neither a increased purchasing power of the farmers and substitute nor a competitor to toddy. technicians. This amount is more than the annual inflow Formation of Coconut Producers Societies (CPS) of funds from the Middle East to Kerala which is roughly was initiated by the Board with an objective to mobilize around Rs. 27,000 crores. The increase in GSDP through coconut farmers and to establish grass root level farmer Neera could be roughly 17%. Processing of Neera to institutions for undertaking production, processing and , palm jaggery and coconut palm sugar will marketing of coconut. At present 3,536 CPS and 125 add more value to GSDP. CPFs are registered with the Board. Two Coconut If similar provisions are made in other major coconut Producer Companies are already registered, and many growing states, similar spurt in employment and income are in the offing, which is perceived to be a milestone to of farmers and workers is possible. Neera production is transform the entire coconut sector. Neera production, popular in the states of and Goa and in processing and packaging can be undertaken under the Union Territories of Lakshadweep and Andaman & auspices of Federations of CPS registered with CDB. Nicobar Islands. There is no legal ban on farmers to License for Neera production can be issued to produce Neera in these states and UTs. The Department Federations of CPS registered with CDB. Neera collected of Horticulture, Government of Karnataka has by the Federations through the member CPS can be undertaken a pilot project for production and packing brought to a primary processing centre which is localized of Neera. Now the project is getting ready for within the district. Further processing can be undertaken commercialization and retail marketing. at the level of Federations or Farmer Producer Globally Neera and its value added products are Companies. manufactured by all the major coconut producing CDB has advocated development of a set of skilled countries except India. The major players in the field workers called ‘Neera technicians’ for tapping Neera. are Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, , Srilanka Thus a new breed of “green collar jobs” can be created. and Vietnam. The major export destinations are USA, Marketing of Neera and its value added products can be Canada, Norway, France, Middle East, South Korea, undertaken through the innovative marketing strategy Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Export of Neera and developmed by the Board in 63 JnNURM cities. palm sugar has shown a surging trend in Indonesia, Neera production will undoubtedly help to contribute Philippines and Thailand as a healthy natural product. In to the GDP and also the rural economy of the country. Philippines, projects on were initiated as It can generate rural employment and provide better early in 1995. Indonesia produced over 6 lakh MT of remuneration to coconut farmers and the Neera palm sugar in 2011. The production of palm sugar in technicians. A community based planned production of Indonesia was estimated to reach 10 lakh MT in 2012. Neera and products like palm jaggery and palm sugar While it is a matter of pride that India leads the world under the auspices of Coconut Producer Federations in production and productivity of coconut ahead of can bring into the market different value added products Indonesia and Philippines, it is disturbing that countries from Neera and establish niche markets for each like and Malaysia, which are far behind us in product. The coconut farmers through their collectives production have ventured into production of Neera and shall request the respective state Governments to initiate palm sugar. Codex Alimentarius Commission and Asia amendments in the Abkari Acts prevailing in their states Pacific Coconut Community (APCC) have developed to facilitate Neera production by farmers. quality standards for Neera and its products. Countries Board is hoping that coconut farmers across the like Philippines and Sri Lanka have their own standards country will realize the potential of Neera, which is not for Neera and coconut palm sugar. Also Neera doesn’t a mere coconut product but a treasure house that can come under the purview of the Excise Act and Rules in bring beneficial changes in the financial status of coconut any of the coconut producing countries other than India. farmers. I request all stakeholders to realize this potential Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL) and and to work unitedly for making this happen during this Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) year itself. have evolved technologies to preserve Neera through With regards, thermal processing at a temperature of 95oC. The Regional Agricultural Research Station at Pilicode under the Kerala Agricultural University has also developed T K Jose technology for the ‘preservation of Neera’ and the Chairman production of many non alcoholic value added products

Indian Coconut Journal May 2013 3 Theme article

Coconut Neera - the hidden unexplored treasure K. Muralidharan and Deepthi Nair. S. Director and Marketing Officer, Coconut Development Board, Kochi

Neera is dominating the pages of the fourth estate for some time now. The talk on Neera started in recent times due to the price crash in the coconut sector which started in the fag end of 2011 and has crippled the coconut farmers of the entire country. Around 10 million households depend on coconut economy and the setback in the sector has affected the income of the state drastically. Prospects for reviving the coconut sector were explored and Neera surfaced. Lots of speculations and scepticism dominate the minds of yield, on an average two litres of to 15 days for the sap to exude from the general public regarding Neera. Neera per day, which may go even the inflorescence tip. Tapping is Neera on fermentation becomes up to 4.5 litres per day based on the done usually for a period of six toddy. Coconut farmers who have health of the palm and management months only. A coconut palm can been giving their palms for tapping of the garden. are well versed with the health Table 1 – Nutritional Neera tapping requires benefits of Neera from time Composition of Neera adherence to strict procedures right immemorial and are known to Total solids 15.2-19.7 from the collection of the first drop. consume the same in the (g/100 ml) pH 3.9-4.7 This is because the sap on extruding unfermented form. It is even given Specific gravity 1.058-1.077 comes into contact with air and the to kids and pregnant women. Total sugars process of fermentation is initiated. Traditional knowledge on Neera 14.40 (g/100 ml) Technologies have been developed prevailed even before technology Original reducing 5.58 by institutions like Kerala developed for Neera processing. sugars (g/100 ml) Agricultural University, Central Total reducing 9.85 What is Neera? sugars (g/100 ml) Food Technological Research Total ash Institute and Defence Food Neera is the sweet, oyster white 0.11-0.41 coloured sap tapped from the (g/100 ml) Research Laboratory for arresting Citric acid the fermentation process. The immature inflorescence of coconut. 0.50 (g/100 ml) It is a delicious health drink and a collected Neera is then subjected Alcohol in % nil rich source of natural sugars, to filtration, refrigeration, Iron (g/100 ml) 0.15 centrifuging, processing and minerals and vitamins. It contains Phosphorus 7.59 packaging. The processed product substantial amounts of iron, (g/100 ml) has a shelf life up to one year. Apart phosphorus and ascorbic acid. The Ascorbic acid 16-30 immature inflorescence which is (mg/100 ml) from this, value added products like Total protein palm syrup, palm jaggery and palm about to burst is the stage at which 0.23-0.32 Neera tapping is done. It takes 12 (g/100 ml) sugar are produced from Neera.

Indian Coconut Journal 4 May 2013 Theme article

Palm syrup : Boiling the sap under moderate to low heat yields a golden brown sticky liquid with high mineral content which is called palm syrup. It is free from total fats and cholesterol with a content of 50% and a glycemic index of 35 GI. It can be used for healthy food preparations, as topping on wide variety of appetizers, desserts or beverages. It is also used in and other systems of medicine. Palm jaggery : Further boiling and crystallization of the sap in moulds yields palm jaggery. It is used as a Table 2 - Nutritional index. Low GI food finds composition of coconut palm Potential of Neera products applications in proper control of jaggery (in 100 g. ) We are living in an era where Diabetes mellitus and in lowering consumers are more conscious of Quantity in cholesterol levels. The GI of table Component health and quality. If cost was the mg sugar is nearly 60 while that of palm Thiamine 21.00 deciding factor for purchase in the sugar is only 35. Generally GI below Riboflavin 432.00 20th century; aspirations, health and 55 is considered low. It is also good Nicotonic Acid 5.24 quality decide the purchasing Ascorbic Acid 11.00 for weight maintenance preventing decisions today. With healthy over weight and obesity. The sweetening agent for the nutrient rich products like Neera product has increased demand in and palm sugar, developing and preparation of desserts, dishes and the domestic and international establishing a market space, both in is superior to cane jaggery. markets. It is a good substitute for domestic and export market offers Palm sugar : Boiling the sap and commercial sweetners available in immense potential. The global preparation of granular palm sugar the market. is the value added product of the future with immense potential from Neera. The application of this palm sugar is enormous owing to the high nutrient content and low glycemic Table 3 - Nutritional composition of coconut palm sugar (in 100 g) Component Quantity Moisture 0.06 % Protein 432 mg Minerals 5.24 mg Carbohydrate 11.0 mg Calcium 18.9 mg Phosphorous 1.9 mg Iron 5.2 mg

Indian Coconut Journal May 2013 5 Theme article demand for low calorie reduced Coconut Development Board is Neera tapping and devise a support sugar and sugar free products is spearheading the formation of system for the same. This is the increasing day by day with the farmer collectives called Coconut base of the voices that advocate increasing health awareness in the Producer Societies (CPS) in the Neera tapping. Neera tapping and food market. The increase in the different districts and the integration production, processing and number of people with obesity, of the collectives to form packaging be undertaken under the diabetes and dental caries is also federations. These federations and auspices of collectives of coconut alarming and Neera and coconut Coconut Producers’ Companies can farmers. palm sugar can provide a healthy form the base for permitting tapping Green collar jobs - Neera viable option. Neera and its of Neera processing, branding and technicians products are also rich in minerals marketing. and vitamins. Neera tapping is a skilled job as The way about in Neera the skill of the tapper has impact As such by permitting tapping of processing Neera and production of value on the quantum of Neera produced. added products from Neera will Neera tapping is to be done in a CDB has advocated for the generate daily returns to the transparent manner under development of a skilled task force coconut farmer and the Neera controlled conditions. An ideal legal called Neera technician for tapping tapper. Daily income will increase and administrative frame work of Neera. Thus a green collar job the standard of living of the needs to be developed before is developed where the person can stakeholders. Moreover the implementing the same. This stay at home with his family, do potential for employment generation doesn’t imply that all 18 lakh tapping and earn incomes higher in the sector is so huge that in a coconut palms are going to be than those obtained by the majority situation when job opportunities in tapped from the same day. Neera of NRI in the Middle East. Trainings the Middle East are dwindling with is a potential product with many of 45 days duration can be given to people returning after being turned health benefitting properties. the Neera technicians since yield of out from the Middle east, Neera Coconut cultivating countries all sap depend on the skill of the tapper. tapping offers huge potential. over the world are making use of Value of Neera tapped could be this potential to make various value shared between the farmer and the Apprehensions about Neera added products from Neera. The Neera technician in a fixed Many apprehensions are in price situation in coconut is pathetic proportion so that both the vogue in the minds of the due to drastic price fall. The 10 stakeholders are benefited and the Government, policy makers, trade million farmers engaged in coconut sector emerges in a sustained union leaders, general public etc on cultivation have to be saved from manner. Neera. A major apprehension spelt this distress. When we have a Neera and the Abkari Act out during discussions was that potential product like Neera, why allowing Neera tapping by coconut not relook into the possibilities in Neera is a non alcoholic mineral farmers will lead to alcoholic Under the Abkari act, the definitions are: addiction among the farmers and the public. When Neera doesnot ! 3(8) Toddy means fermented or unfermented juice drawn from a coconut, palmyra, date or any other kind of palm tree. contain any alcohol, there is no question of Neera causing alcoholic ! 3(10) Liquor includes spirits of wine, arrack, spirits, wine, toddy, addiction. Moreover, Neera can be beer and all liquid consisting or containing alcohol. scientifically processed and packed This statement emphasises that any liquid which consists or contains maintaining its zero alcohol content. alcohol is liquor. The nutritional and health attributes ! 3 (12) Country liquor means toddy or arrack. of Neera make it an excellent health This itself is a contradiction since unfermented juice of coconut drink. Consumption of Neera is in is included under toddy even when it does not contain or consists of no way going to lead to alcoholic alcohol. addiction.

Indian Coconut Journal 6 May 2013 Theme article rich and nutritious health drink The fact that the juice may ferment was later excluded since it was non extracted by tapping the immature to produce alcohol also goes alcoholic. It is high time that inflorescence of the coconut palm. unwarranted. Fermentation and necessary changes are made in the Though non alcoholic, it is coming production of alcohol occurs in Abkari act which was conceived as under the purview of Abkari act. any fruit juice or liquids with early as 1902. The technological Neera has to be released from the starch content. advances made in the processing ambit of the Abkari act. and packing of Neera ensures that CDB stand on Neera it is maintained a zero alcohol drink. Neera is a non alcoholic mineral Hence amendments in the Abkari rich and nutritious health drink act is the need of the hour. extracted by tapping the immature If still included in Abkari act, inflorescence of the coconut palm. separate definition be made for Neera should be brought out of the Neera in Abkari act as a separate Abkari act since it is unfermented head with distinct legislation for inflorescence sap. Inclusion of a non Neera tapping processing and alcoholic drink like Neera under the packaging. Scientifically Abkari act is not justifiable. Neera, processed and packed Neera which is non alcoholic is included can be promoted as a under the definition of toddy in the nutritionally healthy drink. Restricting tapping of Neera Abkari act. Toddy is a fermented Consumption of Neera will not lead through inclusion under Abkari act drink with 7 to 9% alcohol content to alcoholic addiction as perceived and restricting the fundamental right and is classified as liquor. Neera by the public. Awareness of a farmers is totally cannot be classified under Toddy or programmes on Neera to be unconstitutional, illogical and liquor. Neera doesn’t come under conducted throughout the states. unjustifiable. Any farmer growing the purview of the Excise act in any Promotion of Neera should be any agricultural crop has the of the coconut producing countries. undertaken among the common freedom to harvest it in the form Neera which was classified under man also since there is perception which fetches more revenue to him, toddy in the erstwhile British Act like mango harvested at ripe stage, that Neera contains alcohol. rubber sold as latex or sheets. The “The juice of coconut tree can be transformed same freedom should be extended into a sugar as soft as . Nature created this to coconut farmers also. product such that it could not be processed in Coconut farmers are going factories. Palm sugar can only be produced in palm through a crisis related to price fall tree habitats Local populations can easily turn nectar into coconut blossom sugar. It is a way to solve the and diversification to other value world’s poverty. It is also an antidote against misery.” added products from coconut is Mohandas K Gandhi 3.5.1939 the only way out. Under these circumstances, Neera being a high Mahatma Gandhi largely experimented with food; it was important to him. His personal diet was potential product, the farmers vegetarian and consisted of 1 litre goats milk, 150g should be allowed to exploit the wheat and , 75 g leafy vegetables, 125g other prospects of this product for the vegetables, 25g lettuce 40g ghee and 40-50g coconut benefit of the sector. blossom sugar.” In order to remove the These are the wordings inscribed on palm sugar anomalies and bring about justice products of different brands produced in countries amendment in Abkari Act of the like Indonesia and Phillippines for promoting their states by excluding Neera from its brands. We, in India, simply overlooked the potential provisions is the need of the hour. of this wonderful product.

Indian Coconut Journal May 2013 7 Theme article

Neera and Toddy should be federations and maintained as separate entities. Producer Marketing of processed and packed Companies and Neera should not come under the selection of purview of Abkari act. CDB eligible CPS/ strongly advocates that Neera Federations for tapping and production, processing Neera tapping. and packaging be undertaken under CDB can the auspices of Federations of facilitate the Coconut Producers’ Societies development of registered with Coconut the skilled task Development Board. The non force which is availability of palms for tapping is termed as mainly because the coconut farmers Neera are paid a meagre amount as lease technician in which is not economically beneficial association with for them. Ensuring a remunerative KAU. CDB can revenue for the coconut farmer for facilitate tapping of the palms will ensure technological availability of good, yielding, healthy support for the preservation and Neera till the processing and palms for tapping, which in turn will packing of Neera through KAU or packaging can come under the result in increased yields. The Department of Horticulture, purview of the act for preventing scarcity of skilled labour for tapping Karnataka to the entrepreneurial any misus. But processing into other is also a limiting factor. ventures of the Federations and products like syrup, jaggery and Producer Companies. CDB can CDB will facilitate submission of sugar would be as per FSSAI extend financial support to the detailed project proposals for Neera norms. production, processing and enterprises of CPS/ Federations/ The processing of Neera should packaging and value addition to Producer Companies through the be done under the strict supervision produce other products by selected scheme Technology Mission on of officials of technology providers federated CPS based on the Coconut where financial assistance for a definite period till the sector technology from KAU/ CSIR. can be provided @ 25% in addition and the process stabilizes. Tapped CDB would facilitate formation of to the support for processing units Neera as such, should not be CPS and integrating them to form announced by Government of Kerala. The process of tapping of transported outside the district where it is produced thus preventing chances for misuse. Value of Neera tapped should be shared between the farmer and the Neera technician in a fixed proportion so that both the stakeholders are benefited and the sector emerges in a sustained manner. It is time we wake up and act together to pioneer ventures in Neera production and processing which will take this crop, the , to newer heights.

Indian Coconut Journal 8 May 2013 Theme article

‘Keraamritham’- a health drink from coconut inflorescence sap B. Jayaprakash Naik1, P R Suresh2, Meera Manjusha3, P V Balachandran4 Madhusubramonian5 and PC Balakrishnan6 1Associate Director of Research Coconut Mission, 2Professor, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, Nileshwar, 3Asst. Professor, RARS, Pilicode, 4Director of Extension Education, Kerala Agricultural University, Mannuthy, Thrissur, 5COH, Vellanikkara, Assistant Professor and 6Rtd. Associate Director(Coconut Mission), Kerala Agricultural University. Kerala Agricultural University has developed methods for extraction of sap and beverages. The spathe before and its collection without fermentation and further preservation of it as opening is selected for the ‘Keraamritham’- an alcohol free product from coconut inflorescence (neera), extraction of sap called neera. At and also preparation of Palm jaggery (Kerachakkara) and palm honey. present the juice extracted is collected in earthen vessels and allowed to natural fermentation by Coconut is one of the most yeast and juice transform to important crops of Kerala. It is used “Toddy” a non distilled alcoholic mainly for culinary purpose (30%) beverage of specific odour and and for copra 70% (ie., 85% for taste. If the fermentation processes oil & 15% for ball copra). Only 2% are arrested the juice obtained is of the nuts are used as tender nuts. very sweet and nutritious and it can However, given the high cost of be used as non alcoholic beverage cultivation and low price that the and can be used for preparation of primary produce fetches, the palm sugar or palm jaggery/ popularity of coconut is on the palmgur. The practice of jaggery decline. Arresting this fall requires making is also common in many methods to make the crop more places and in most of the practices remunerative. Value addition and they collect the sap in a mild solution product diversification remain the of slaked lime prepared from oyster most viable but least explored areas shells which is also a natural as the coconut is concerned. material abundantly available in Amidst various possibilities like nut, coastal places. This is also a copra, oil etc, the coconut traditional knowledge of local inflorescence sap offer itself as an communities. unexplored yet promising candidate for product diversification in several But the jaggery made using such counts like regularity of production, local technology many a times has less time in realizing income, cutting of it. The process is called bad physical properties and keeping reduced impact of pest and tapping and it is a traditional quality. More over the residue of diseases like eryiophid mite, mahali practice of almost all coconut slaked lime remaining in the produce etc. growing places specially the islands. reduce its palatability and consumer The origin of this practice is very acceptance. Coconut Inflorescence sap is a old and supposed to be as old a sweet juice exuding from the Keraamritham: Technologies have coconut cultivation. In communities unopened inflorescence - the spathe been standardised for arresting living in islands the people were of coconut palms by selective fermentation of neera and its using it for preparation of sugars

Indian Coconut Journal May 2013 9 Theme article preservation as alcohol free Estimates of establishment of a Processing Unit product (Keraamritham) under Processing Capacity 1000 litre per day refrigerated condition with a Total palms 750 palms keeping quality of more than three (Covering 25% of palms from 15ha land area) months was developed. It is a Land area 10 cents for the superior and delicious health drink processing centre with qualities and taste better than Building cost and electrification etc 35.00 lakhs Equipments 52.00 lakhs tender coconut water. There are (Refrigerated storage (room size), freezer, ample scopes for large scale Refrigerated Centrifuge, Boiler, Autoclave, production of this by adopting the Carbonation unit, Vacuum sealing/ bottling improved packing and preservation machine, and automated frying pans, moulds technologies. The advantage of etc., for production of palm jaggery and Keraamritham (neera) over tender packing machines etc.) Mobile unit with refrigeration facility 10.00 lakhs (for coconut water is that one can collection from 5 market product of almost uniform km radius) taste and quality which being the Other miscellaneous costs: 3.00 lakhs major hurdle in tender coconut Total cost Rs 100.00lakhs water packing. More over daily availability of raw material can be Economics: of this amount as profit and the Considering a remaining 2/3 as tapping cost, Nutritional qualities of ‘Keraamritham’ tapper could tap 12 processing, establishment and Nutrients Minerals palms daily and marketing charges. Total sugar 15 -18 % K 90.5ppm each palm yield on Vitamin c 1.3mg/100ml Ca 60.0ppm an average 1.5 A palm can be tapped for six pH 6.8 P 15.0ppm litres of sap per months at a stretch in an year and Acidity 10.0m eq/l Fe 45.0ppm palm per day, the allowed for the next six months for Phenols 8.0mg/100ml Na 9.5ppm normal tender nut or coconut ensured in this. total inflorescence sap would be 18 production as a health restoration measure for the palm. Hence Nutritionally ‘Keraamritham’ is litres per day from 12 palms tapped by one person. From this, usually 20 to 30% of the palms in superior to tender coconut water. farmers garden can be used for The available total soluble sugars, processing 9 litres as final product can be obtained after processing. tapping at a time. This will help the vitamins and minerals are low in farmers in getting higher income tender nut water, say the total This can be made into 60 bottles of 150 ml each. Being a health drink, from coconut garden by utilizing sugars: 3.3%, minerals like potash : their palms for both value added 53.2ppm, Calcium: 5.78ppm, one bottle could be sold at Rs.20/- . The total income per day will be products like Keraamritham Phosporus: 11.8ppm, Iron: (neera), Kerachakkara (jaggery), 1.54ppm. Rs.1200/- and it is Rs.36,000/- per month. Farmer can realise one third tender nuts, and traditional coconut, Kerachakkara (Palm jaggery/ copra and oil production. gur): In this situation of high cost of The process for preparation of cultivation and low price that the ‘Kerachakkara’, the good quality primary produce fetches, the Palm jaggery/gur with desirable sustainability of coconut farming physical properties, from the sector is only through value addition, coconut inflorescence sap is also product diversification, improving developed. farm level processing and increasing byproduct utilization.

Indian Coconut Journal 10 May 2013 Theme article

Production of Neera and coconut sugar deserves encouragement P.K.Thampan President, Peekay Tree Crops Development Foundation, MIG-141,Gandhi Nagar, Kochi. E-mail:[email protected]

long the coastal belts of India many possibilities. One activity that breakfast cakes and snacks. Being Awhere coconut farming is could be organized in the coconut a good source of baker’s yeast it is concentrated, the farmers, in growing belts for enhancing the preferred in such preparations as it general are small and marginal. income and employment of those imparts good flavor and fluffy They do not derive adequate who are directly or indirectly consistency to the cooked food. income from the small holdings to associated with coconut culture is Unfermented sweet toddy or neera support the basic family needs nor the production and marketing of could be promoted as a health drink. have opportunities for other income sweet toddy or neera as a health It contains around 16 percent generating activities in their rural drink and a source of sugar. carbohydrates, with sucrose as the surroundings. The farmers who Production and Marketing of main constituent and small amounts depend exclusively on coconut Neera as a Health Drink of , , inositol and culture are mostly underemployed raffinose. It has a neutral pH, 16 for want of coconut-based The fresh coconut sap or sweet amino acids with glutamic acid, processing at the farm-household toddy or neera obtained by tapping threonine and aspartic acid forming and community levels. Cost the unopened spadix of the coconut the major constituents and small effective and labour intensive palm is an excellent beverage and amounts of vitamins. The processing activities assume a rich source of sugar. In households constituents of neera in g/100 ml are importance in such a situation for neera finds application in the moisture-84.42; ether extractives- which the coconut palm offers preparation of a variety of 0.04; carbohydrates-15.16; protein- 0.12 and ash-0.26.

Indian Coconut Journal May 2013 11 Theme article

Table-1 Share of Share of Average Average Average Average Tapping coconut gross net Size group of gross size and other on income income gardens (ha) income per (ha) activities on income per ha per ha holding (Rs.) income (%) (%) (Rs.) (Rs.) 0.1&below 0.054 83 17 7,945 1,47,145 1,36,219 Above 0.1 & upto 0.4 0.213 69 31 36,394 1,71,134 1,38,600 Above 0.4 2.190 92 8 6,05,961 2,76,274 1,39,757 Total / Average 1.171 91 9 3,15,488 2,69,356 1,39,661

In the Ayurvedic medical system The Economics of Tapping for one year was Rs.58,350. By selling neera is considered beneficial to Neera 14,025 litres of toddy at the rate of pregnant women and emaciated Toddy tapping and the sale of Rs.15 per litre the farmer received children. Consumption of neera by sweet toddy offer opportunities to a gross income of Rs.2,10,375, pregnant women three or four days coconut farmers for enhancing on- which left Rs.152,025 as net income in a week is believed to impart good farm income and employment. In a or Rs.7,601.25 per tree per annum. colour to the baby. Likewise, daily study on tapping conducted in As the investment on tapping knife and pots was not much it was not consumption of small dose of neera Kerala in 1998 by Peekay Tree accounted for. The net income from is recommended for healthy growth Crops Development Foundation tapping was found to be 19 times of emaciated children. Techniques (PTCDF) the gross income higher than that from untapped for preventing spontaneous recorded for 30 gardens was Rs.269,356 per ha per annum with trees which were in the yield group fermentation of neera are now of 60-75 nuts per palm per annum. available. Among the south Asian a net income of Rs.139,661. The details are shown in Table 1. The opinion of the farmer was that countries Sri Lanka is in the the toddy yield increases with good forefront by making available In a case study conducted in the management and that not only the canned sweet toddy in the domestic Vechoor Island, Kerala by PTCDF number of nuts but the kernel out- and external markets. it was observed that the farmer turn per nut also increases after a employed one professional tapper tapping period of two years. Tapping for neera to be used as for a unit of 20 trees. For the first a health drink and also as a source 15 days when there was no toddy In a field study conducted in the of coconut sugar is a viable source yield the worker was paid a daily same year the average yield of of income and employment for the wage of Rs.150 for preparing the toddy recorded for 68 palms was coconut farmers. Although it is trees. After toddy yield commenced 1.99 litres per palm per day. These palms were assigned by the farmers encouraged in many coconut- the average yield was around one for tapping on rental basis to growing countries it is yet to be litre per palm per day or 20 litres professional tappers and the rental promoted in India. The only from the unit of 20 trees. Following receipt averaged Rs.56.47 per palm exception is small pockets in Tamil this, the yield increased to around 2-2.5 litres per palm per day or an per month. In the surveyed area the Nadu where the production of practice was to allow tapping for coconut sugar has continued over average of 45 litres from 20 trees. The wages for the tapper after the 6-9 months in a year. If one-third the years as a traditional rural toddy yield commenced were @ of of the palms in a garden or 60 activity. The production and Rs.4 per litre of toddy collected. The palms per ha are allowed to be marketing of neera and sugar could average yield of toddy from 20 tapped for 9 months, the average be successfully organized in the trees was 1,200 litres for two rental receipt at the rate recorded major coconut growing states of months and 12,825 litres for 9.5 in the study will be around India for the benefit of the coconut months, totaling 14,025 litres. The Rs.30,500 over the tapping period. farming community. total wages paid to the tapper for This income from tapping is substantially higher than that

Indian Coconut Journal 12 May 2013 Theme article obtained from untapped trees. The or aluminium containers. The experience of the farmers covered export markets cover West Asia, in the study was that leaving upto Australia, New Zealand, U.S. and one-third of the palms in a garden Europe. for tapping will not cause significant In Thailand coconut gardens reduction in the production of nuts maintained exclusively for sugar because most of the palms production are found in the earmarked for tapping are either provinces of Samut Sakhon, Samut alternate bearers or poor yielders. Songkhram and Samut Prakan. In They were also of the view that the these provinces the average size of trees left for tapping at 9 month gardens is one ha where tapping rotation usually exhibit higher commences when the palms are five production potential during the post years old. There are special tapping phase. be eight times more profitable than cultivars known for their high It is possible to assign trees both producing coconut or copra. In production of sap. In such palms the for tapping and nut production. This Indonesia the farmers are daily yield of sweet toddy is up to is done by tapping only alternate encouraged to leave upto 30% of four litres and the tapping is spathes or by tapping only half the the palms in plantations for sugar generally continued for 10-11 length of each spathe and leaving production. Tapping and sugar months. These varieties are Tha-le the lower half for nut production. production also augment on-farm Ba, Suricha, Sai Bua, Theung Bong, The observations made in India and employment. While 50-60 palms do Kathi and Khi Kai. other countries show that 20-25% not require more than 90-100 man- In Indonesia production of of the palms in each garden could days for annual maintenance, the coconut sugar is a popular be earmarked for tapping without same number of palms when utilized household activity in 26 of the 27 causing significant reduction in the for tapping and sugar production provinces. According to a recent annual production of nuts from such will provide full time employment to report, in the Banyumas district gardens. one tapper and one or two women alone there are about 28,773 palm Production and Marketing of members of the family. sugar making units employing about Coconut Sugar Consumer preference around 58,500 workers. Although men collect the sap and lend a hand in The production of coconut sugar the world is changing in favour of the molding process, the household from unfermented sap is a profitable natural health foods. Coconut sugar women take care of the processing. on-farm activity and is encouraged is a health food and, as such, can About 75% of the total production in many coconut growing countries be targeted to both domestic and goes to big cities for local for local consumption as well as for global markets. There is growing consumption and also for export to export marketing. The experience demand in the developed countries Singapore, Malaysia and Middle in countries like Philippines, for coconut sugar as an alternative East. Thailand, Indonesia etc. is that to refined cane sugar. Health assigning palms for sugar conscious people in India may also Apart from solid palm sugar production is much more profitable opt for coconut sugar if quality another useful product that could be to the farmers than allowing to yield product becomes available in the made out of unfermented sap is nuts. In the Philippines the average market. In countries like Thailand or sugar syrup. The syrup income from palms set aside for and Indonesia sugar production is is a golden coloured product and the tapping and sugar production is 7- a popular household activity where recovery is 16% of the sap used. It 10 times that from palms maintained specialized organizations procure is a delicacy and its use is preferred only for nut production. In Thailand sugar from the producing units and as spread in place of fruit jam producing sugar has been found to is marketed both in the domestic and a sweetening agent for special and export markets in attractive zinc breakfast dishes.

Indian Coconut Journal May 2013 13 Theme article

Suggestions 2. Production of Coconut Sugar the bearing palms in a garden are to be earmarked for tapping and 1.Neera Production When sugar production is such palms shall have a resting organized as a rural activity under The production and marketing of period of not less than three months the aegis of grower’s cooperatives, neera as a health drink has to be in a year. it could generate additional income permitted in the major coconut and employment to a sizeable When the production of sugar is growing states of India where section of the rural community. It organized in the cooperative sector, restrictions on tapping is presently is possible to provide training adequate quality control could be prevalent. Processing units for facilities to selected village youth in enforced at different stages such as producing canned/bottled neera the different states for palm collection of sap, assembling, boiling shall be promoted in suitable climbing, tapping and manufacture and conversion in to pellets, cubes, locations and appropriate of sugar. The production and crystalline sugar etc. Apex technology for the same shall be marketing of sugar as a cottage organizations may undertake transferred to promising industry in the cooperative sector procurement of sugar from entrepreneurs. To start with, the can ensure direct employment to producing centres and its permission for tapping for neera, village youth without gender packaging, and marketing in the collecting, assembling, further difference. To facilitate this activity, domestic and export markets. The processing, bottling the product and the state governments shall permit existing Coconut Farmer’s Societies marketing shall be given only to and encourage tapping for sugar and Federations in Kerala could be coconut farmer’s producer production subject to restrictions direct participants of the companies under proper such as that not more than 25% of programme. government control.

Indian Coconut Journal 14 May 2013 Theme article

Coconut palms suitable for Neera tapping Jnanadevan. R Deputy Director, Directorate of and Cocoa Development, Kochi

yield of sap per day with 8 months tapping per year in Sri Lanka is 1.5 liter. The sap flow is closely associated with the leave’s water content and the internal water condition of the trees. Neera yield will be decreased considerably when the water content of the leaves declined. The sugar content also varies with season and sap flow. The yield of neera and sugar is adversely affected by low rainfall, particularly when the soil water reserves are low and the palms suffer from water stress. As the flow of neera decreases with increasing oconut palm is commonly regarded as an oil seed transpiration, high temperatures and low relative Ccrop of tree origin in India. High cost of production humidity have similar effects. Hence tapping is planned and low profit is the main problem now faced by the accordingly to avoid severe water stress period. Sap coconut farmers. Though several value added coconut production is relatively high at night, due to reduced products have been developed through R&D efforts, transpiration and increased sap pressure. Once the profitability of this crop still depends on price of coconut tapping stopped, nut yield may show a temporary oil. The price of coconut oil is fluctuating widely and its increase compared to the normal nut yield of the palm demand is influenced by the availability and price especially in low yielding palms. behavior of other comparable oils. There is an urgent High yielding young and well cared palms have been need to make coconut industry profitable through found to yield good quantity of Neera. Neera yield processing and value addition. Production of neera, a also varies with variety. Talls palms yield more neera healthy drink obtained by tapping the unopened than dwarf palms. Dwarf palms are highly suitable for inflorescence and extraction of palm sugar from neera tapping due to its short stature and high density of palm are highly profitable industry in many other coconut per unit area. The yield of neera will be less since the growing countries which is yet to be started in India. size and length of spadix is short in most of the dwarf Unfermented sap from young inflorescence called varieties compared to tall and hybrids. But Malaysian ‘Neera, in India, ‘Raa’ in Sri Lanka and ‘Tuba’ in dwarf varieties generally healthier than other tall may Philippines has rather high sucrose content. While yield more neera and prove to be ideal for tapping in selecting palms for tapping neera, several factors are to view of the advantages for tapping. A good healthy be taken in to consideration to get economic neera yield. tall palm may yield up to 2 liter neera per day and The yield of neera and sugar is highly variable. It hybrids even more. At a sugar content of about 15%, varies considerably from palm to palm season to this would give a sugar yield of 300-400g per palm per season, and spadix to spadix. It differs with palm day. In Indian conditions it is reported that a high variety, palm vigour and season. Naturally, the growing yielding healthy tall tree under good management have conditions of the palm and its vigour play an important potential to yield 50 liters of sap per spadix during one role in neera production. It is reported that average moth tapping. If six such healthy trees with long spadix

Indian Coconut Journal May 2013 15 Theme article is tapped for a period of six months, on an average Tapping for coconut nectar increase 300 litres of neera can be tapped in an year. At the rate of Rs.40/-liter, the total revenue from a tree is productivity of sap and nut yields estimated as Rs.12,000/- per year. If the tree is not When coconut trees are tapped for the purpose of tapped and the six inflorescence are left for normal sap production, the tree's ability to produce nut production the maximum yield anticipated from six for various uses is not lost. Research conducted in the bunches will be 60 mature coconuts and @Rs.7/-per Philippines at the Davao Research Center during 1988- nut the income will beRs.420/-. While selecting palms 1991 showed the viability of producing both sap and for tapping, care should be taken to select healthy coconuts in sequence in the same unopened spadices middle aged good palms for best neera yield. Low (stems) of coconut palms. This technology involves yielding, root (wilt) affected old palms may be tapping for coconut sap in the first half of the spathe discarded. However more studies are needed for (blossoms), and allowing the remaining half to develop selection of suitable varieties for neera production normally, ultimately producing fully mature 12 month- under Indian conditions. old coconuts. This research further revealed, that Maturity and length of the spadix selected for incorporating this innovative new method increased tapping and skill of the tapper are other factors that productivity of sap and nut yields 5-7 times higher than determine the yield of neera. A spadix tapped traditional methods. prematurely may burst open and become discolored. may be brushed with some lime, or some lime water The discoloration starts at the cut portion. The same may be put in the container. The most effective may happen to a spadix tapped when it is over-mature. harvesting cycle is twice a day. If, for any reason the In both the cases neera production may be much spadix is not sliced for a period of two days, a type of reduced because there will be a delay in the healing latex exudes from the wound which impedes commencement of neera flow. In India and Sri Lanka the sap flow. Two weeks of tapping will then be the mature spadix appropriate for tapping is identified required to recover normal sap production. Sometimes by observing the swelling appeared at the base of the a closed spadix has to be abandoned. One or two days’ spadix due to female flowers within un opened rest for the harvester may lead to a production loss of inflorescence. The tapping process is essentially an 15-20 days. It is therefore important that tapping be art, and the results therefore depend upon the skill of performed by a team, whose members can substitute the tapper. The technique consists of carefully bruising each other in case of sickness, etc. and rupturing the tender tissues of the floral branch by gently hammering and pounding the spathe. After about So in conclusion neera tapping and coconut palm three days, about 5 cm of the apical tissues is sliced can be a welcome source of higher off. The commencement of the flow takes place as income for smallholders and to make coconut farming early as 5 days and as late as 32 days after the tip of profitable in future, especially in situations where copra the spadix had been cut off for the first time. When prices are low. Neera tapping and palm sugar producing the sap starts flowing, a container is placed under the units are to be established at suitable locations by the dripping spadix. It is reported that the sap flow gradually coconut farmer’s collectives like other major coconut increases and may reach a peak after 3-5 weeks. The growing countries, Philippines and Indonesia. The peak may then continue for 1-3 weeks, after which quantity of neera and sugar production varies with the flow declines. The flow may continue for about a growing conditions; extend of management practices month until the length of the spathe is reduced to a adopted, varieties, age and climatic conditions. Hence length of about 10-15 cm after repeated slicing. The it is advisable to select well cared middle aged high productive period depend on the spadix length. Palms yielding tall and hybrid palms for tapping to get good with relatively low nut yields also have shorter quantity neera and sugar. Malayan dwarf varieties also productive period of the spadix than high yielders. To can be selected considering its short height advantage. prevent sap fermentation after slicing, the fresh cut However more studies on neera yield and sugar content in different varieties in India need to be conducted.

Indian Coconut Journal 16 May 2013 Theme article

Bio Beverage - Coco Neera R. Hali The author is former Director of Agriculture, Kerala and former special consultant to M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai

bronchial suffocation and piles. The potential of neera as a nutritious health drink is widely Even today a glass of neera before discussed and deliberated in recent days. Indian Coconut going to bed is a ‘grandmas’ Journal realised the potential and prospects of neera well ahead. prescription to pregnant women and An article published in the November 2004 issue of Indian young girls to make the skin colour Coconut Journal is reproduced here for information of readers. more charming. Unlike in the past, unfermented sweet toddy could be Globalization and emergence of have more hope generating promoted as a health drink as World Trade Organization have put experiences to narrate. Before that techniques for preserving neera tremendous pressure and at the let us have a close look at the super without undergoing fermentation for same time created awareness qualities of sweet toddy. few weeks or months is available among the developing nations to intensify the efforts for finding out farm produce which could earn fast, wide and profitable consumer acceptance. In this context when you hear that a coconut palm is capable to produce sweet floral sap worth Rs. 50,000 annually, it is both sensational and stimulating. A not so very impressive coconut palm at ‘Cherthalai’, in Alleppey District, Kerala, like several others in different parts of the state, is providing every day three liters of sweet toddy or neera earning a minimum Rs. 120 per kit. ‘I climb the palm thrice daily except during a few days in the worst dry period Coconut phloem sap, the now. Sri Lanka and Philippines are and bring down a minimum of three choicest health drink produced by having coconut gardens maintained liters of sweet toddy’ claims thirty tapping the unopened spadix of the exclusively for producing toddy. year old sturdy tapper Shri. coconut tree, is called ‘Neera’ in Indonesia is the largest producer of Anirudhan. ‘Though the palm is and Kerala; ‘Tube’ in sweet toddy for making jaggery and over thirty six year old, this has been Philippines and ‘Tuvak’ in sugar. It is reported that Shri Lanka subjected to tapping for last twenty Indonesia. Sweet toddy is rich in is producing and exporting 1 lakh years’, he said. carbohydrates with sucrose as its litre of “Arrack” made out of Shri. Anirudhan the tapper, Shri. main constituent. It is unctuous and coconut toddy. But the process to M D Thomas, the owner of the palm cool in effect. Hailed as highly preserve sweet toddy for weeks is and Shri. T. S. Viswan, the former rejuvenative in traditional medicinal opening up opportunities for a Agricultural Officer, several systems it is recommended for the massive and gigantic health drink or tappers and trade union leaders cure of anaemia, tuberculosis, beverage industry if exploited well commercially.

IndianIndian Coconut Coconut Journal Journal MayMay 2013 2013 1717 Theme article

One ‘wonder palm’, at worth of toddy per day is the yield. to the coconut care and it may Cherthalai, produces around Rs. A tapper becomes an expert in the revolutionalise the coconut culture 50,000 worth toddy every year, is field only if he has experience in and give a better deal to the coconut only one among several hundreds tapping similar type of coconut growers. It is high time to throw the and there must be more palms palms of Palghat. century old excise laws for giving even double the yield. controlling tapping of coconut trees Even today toddy drinking is not Anirudhan, the expert tapper to the dustbin and declare sweet considered as a good habit and there reveals that he climbs the palm toddy as a raw material for the are movements against the same. three times daily at 10 a.m., 5 p.m. beverage industry. But ‘sweet toddy’ or neera and 8 p.m., but sweet toddy is production and consumption are It is not at all difficult to identify collected during the morning and recommended by Shri. A. P. 15 to 20 million trees ideal for sweet night climbs only. The afternoon Udayabhanu Commission toddy production from Kerala climb is to ‘tame’ the spadix for constituted by Kerala Govt to study where total population exceeds 200 stimulating the secretion of more the prohibition of liquor sales in the million. The country has over 400 sap. But toddy gets during night is state. The bigger obstacle for the million coconut palms now. 10 sweeter. Shri. T. S. Viswan, former promotion of sweet toddy million palms are more than enough Agriculture Officer and several production and its sale was the lack to give sweet toddy worth Rs. tappers’ union leaders are of the of technology to preserve it without 25000 crores annually. The coconut opinion that one could find out more fermenting. Let us hope, a perfect production from the existing 1.9 such trees in Cherthalai in Alleppey technology on this will come to the million hectares is only 1259 crores district though the area is prone to rescue of coconut growers. and its cost will not be more than coconut ‘root-wilt’ disease. Rs. 6200 crores. From this we could Scientists have not yet come Composition of Neera estimate the huge value addition forward with a package of Specific Gravity 1.508-1.077 and the profit the farmer may get practices for boosting the yield from Total Solid (g/100ml) 15.2-19.7 if he manages the situation. The palms exposed for sweet toddy Sucrose (g/100ml) 12.3-17.4 huge employment it will create in collection. Total ash (g/100ml) 0.11-0.41 the production, processing and Coconut Board of the Union Protein (g/100ml) 0.23-0.32 marketing sectors will be very Ministry of Agriculture has done Ascorbic acid 16.0-30.0 lucrative apart from the huge commendable job for expanding (mg/100ml) revenue the government could mop area and diversification of coconut Coconut farming has been up at different levels as taxes. products in India. Here again the facing a threat of ‘root wilt’ in The most heartening tender coconut promotion deserves Kerala, Tanjore wilt in Tamil Nadu development is that farmers very special kudos. But promotion and the mite attack in the entire organizations and scientists have of sweet toddy as a health drink is south India. Production is going already detected the great yet to gain momentum in the down but the trade and labour are possibilities the sweet toddy is country. A lot of information is not at all farmer and crop friendly. offering. The international coconut available with traditional experts in While consumer has to pay Rs. 10 summit held at Kochi has medicine, farmers and tappers on to 12 per coconut without its husk, recommended that the government various aspects relating to sweet the farmer is getting a cost of Rs. 6 may take quick steps to declare toddy. Among coconut varieties, it only. The labour cost is prohibitive sweet toddy as a . Another is said that hybrids give more toddy and farmers are not engaging people significant and specific than others. The palms of Palghat, to harvest nuts and instead allow recommendation of great repute is Trichur, and Neeleswaram are very them to fall. This affects the health from the WTO impact and study profuse yielder’s of sweet toddy. and yield of the palm in the long run. report submitted by M S ‘There are palms which give over In this context promotion of tender Swaminathan Commission six liters of sweet toddy every day’ coconut and sweet toddy as energy constituted by the Govt. of Kerala. claims Shri. Anirudhan. Rs. 240 and health drink will give a new life The report is titled as ‘Building a

IndianIndian Coconut Coconut Journal Journal 1818 MayMay 2013 2013 Theme article sustainable Agricultural trade Malaysia and Middle East and is Sweet toddy is nothing new to security system for Kerala.’ The rated very high over cane sugar and our people. According to the Commission was chaired by M S used as a health food. Australia is traditional books of knowledge ‘the Swaminathan, the great Indian a new market for Indonesian sugar juice of young spadix of coconut Agricultural scientist who is at export. According to Shri. P. K. when unfermented is a sweet, present the chairman of National Thampan, Chairman of P K Tree refrigerant, aphrodisiac, diuretic, Agricultural Commission for Crop foundation Kochi, exclusive mildly exciting tonic and useful in farmers constituted by Govt of gardens are maintained in Thailand dyspepsia, diarhea, diabetics and for India. The report specifically states for sweet toddy production general disability’. that ‘sweet toddy may command connected with sugar making When the palm in your massive demand potential and it is where tapping of palm commences homestead is ready to give you such a health drink... Like in Karnataka, at the age of five. From neera the a heavenly health drink, the man Kerala should lift all restrictions in normal yield of sugar is almost 12 made laws that too proclaimed tapping coconut by farmers for per cent and from this we may hundred years ago are prohibiting promoting diversification to sweet estimate the quantity of sweet toddy you from collecting and using the toddy and jaggery products’. produced to prepare and market one same. If collected and sold it will million tonnes of coconut sugar. The report has two sections. One also give you economic prosperity. Sugar is done as a cottage industry section deals with the action to be It is happening in a state, where in the villages of Indonesia and so taken at Govt. of India level and the farmers, politicians and economists the quantity used for drinking, as a other deals with the things to be are shouting that coconut cultivation beverage and making syrup are not attended by the State Government. is a huge loss and the golden period estimated. It may be noted that May be due to various political and of coconut is over. unlike India, beer is treated as a soft other compulsions not much has drink like coco cola in Indonesia and God’s own country hails coconut been done to implement the so it is sold freely in every wayside as the ‘Tree of Heaven’ but so far recommendations. But here again shop. has failed to identify its most the coconut farmer is the looser. potential produce capable to show Farmer’s organizations are also India is one of the largest great monetary gains on its silent in urging the authorities to producers of coconut in the world. growers. Neera from Nariyal could implement the suggestions. Due to pressure of palmoil and be made the most sought after Diversification and new products soyabean oil available at a cheaper health drink of the nation suited for development are twin paths to be rate, the use of coconut oil for edible all seasons. If just one per cent of developed for the prosperity of purpose is dwindling all over the the palms are subject to tapping it coconut farmer and coconut world. While India has the will give sweet toddy worth over growers. Coconut is now cultivated advantage of consuming the entire Rs. 10,000 crores. It is easy to in twenty states of India. It is loved coconut produced, major coconut enhance the income from palm and adored by the entire population producing countries like Indonesia, several folds if the market too is of the country and is hailed as” Tree Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, etc developed well. Read the strength of Heaven”. If the sweet toddy are compelled to export coconut, of the ‘Tree of Heaven’ through the production is transformed into a coconut oil and copra as their sweet toddy and use the nature’s gigantic health drink industry, it will domestic consumption is lower than great gift to create sustainable emerge as the largest in the their total production. They could prosperity to the growers and to the processed food sector with a huge export the above three items at a nation. Coconut is also termed as turn over and excellent export cheaper rate to India if trade ‘Tree of Plenty’ and the efficient prospects. Sweet toddy production restriction is taken away as per production and marketing of neera in Indonesia is stated to be so high World Trade Organization as the natures’ choicest bio health that annually they are producing conditions. This is really a threat to drink will make it a ‘Palm of ever over one million tonnes of coconut the coconut producers while lasting prosperity.’ Time is ripe to sugar. It is exported to Singapore, industry and consumers may commence the great task. welcome the same.

IndianIndian Coconut Coconut Journal Journal MayMay 2013 2013 1919 Theme article

Indonesia and Philippines – a replicable model to grow sweeter with coconut Deepthi Nair. S. Marketing Officer, CDB, Kochi

Coconut is grown in the coastal Coconut palm sap, jaggery and expanding into an agribusiness. areas in most of the countries sugar were produced by indigenous Once the processes were stabilized, located in and around the equatorial methods traditionally in Indonesia. research was directed towards region. India stands first in area, Realising the potential of this good packaging. From 2004 production and productivity of product, methods of production onwards, efforts were directed coconut in the world, but the extent were streamlined and modified to towards promotion of the nutritional of processing of coconut into suit world standards. Though attributes of the products in the various value added products is Indonesia was the first to venture global market. With the opening up insignificant in the country. Though into commercial production of of the economy, Indonesia and coconut has been cultivated from coconut palm syrup, jaggery and Philippines were confident of time immemorial and referred to as sugar, Philippines moved one step entering into the international Kalpavriksha, we failed to forward by organising planned market with focus on the health commercially utilize the research on coconut palm sugar in conscious and quality conscious multifaceted benefits of this crop. 1995. Actually, coconut sugar consunmers in the developed world. Having ventured into a concerted The coconut sap sugar was time bound plan for product massively promoted as a health diversification in coconut, the product through the efforts of PCA Cocotech seminar held in July 2013 and by the Food and Nutrition was an eye opener for the nation Research Institute (FNRI) of the and entrepreneurs interested in Department of Science and coconut. It provided insights into the Technology which established the various avenues for processing and Glycemic Index of the product. A value addition in coconut and the food product was categorised as most promising of them turned out low glycemic food when the GI was to be coconut inflorescence sap and less than 55. In case of coconut its value added products. palm sugar it was only 35. This was The health benefits of Neera, the a major health attribute for the unfermented coconut inflorescence consumers world wide, adding to sap and the production of jaggery the other properties of increased and sugar from the sap was known content of minerals and vitamins from early days. Traditional systems and sugars in coconut palm sugar of medicine in India used coconut and other products from the production technology has been inflorescence sap. palm jaggery due to its nutritive, known in some coconut producing medicinal and health attributes. But countries like Thailand and Rural cooperative partnerships we never gave a thought of Indonesia for over a decade. In were the driving vehicles for the commercially utilizing the potential 1996, it was introduced in the establishment of coconut sap sugar of these products in today’s health Philippines but it gained popularity business in Philippines and conscious world. As usual we never only in 2004. In the same year, the Indonesia. As Mahatma Gandhi told gave a second look at the indigenous technology gained momentum as a way back in 1939, the authorities in knowledge. This is where coconut commercially viable technology and Philippines and Indonesia made growing countries like Indonesia became a small-scale enterprise rural households and farmer and Philippines excelled. communities in villages make palm

Indian Coconut Journal 20 May 2013 Theme article sugar in palm tree habitats. Local for local communities to share non-government organizations. It populations could easily turn nectar viable technology to foster showed that simple farmers can into coconut blossom syrup, jaggery economic growth and social establish their own linkages and and sugar. This method reduced development. networks in nurturing a ordinary logistics and converted the highly business into a big enterprise. This An added advantage of the perishable inflorescence sap into kind of partnership has made technology is its simplicity and products with moderate shelf life like farmers more aware of their social uncomplicatedness considering that jaggery and palm sugar. Further responsibility in their new business this involves only concentrating refining, granulation and packaging and has learned to be more fresh sap into sugar granules - a of the products were undertaken in accountable in the production and change in physical form from liquid art of the state manufacturing processing of their goods. to solid state. It does not require centres to suit world standards. skilled labor or sophisticated Cooperative partnership, as PCA supported farmers groups equipment and is best adapted to a experienced in this coconut sap which had the business skills and farm level or medium scale sugar production enterprise in intrepid spirit to discover the profit enterprise. However, the process is Philippines and Indonesia provides potential of making sugar out of very dependent on critical factors confidence for the Board which is coconut inflorescence sap. Today, such as pH, temperature and the now working through the Farmer these rural enterprises are touted as extent of microbial activity of the Producer Organisations of CPS, the new agribusiness exploiting the natural yeasts in the sap. Each step CPF and Producer Companies. potentials of making it a dollar in the process requires specific Working through farmer earner. A women’s group in conditions such as neutral pH of the communities together with Aroman established the Aroman sap, clean materials during sap technology application and adoption Natural Food Producers collection and cooking, and by local communities, was a Multipurpose Cooperative. With controlled temperature during the powerful factor in developing the support from the PCA and the local peak of transforming the sap syrup farmer groups’ self-confidence to government, the cooperative into solid sugar form. This ensures deal with pressing issues in applied their coconut sap sugar for quality and proper formation of the production, processing and Organic Certification with the product. marketing. It also encouraged support of a natural medicine farmers to integrate and closely The lessons learned and shared practitioner in the U.S, who assisted follow the set technology protocol by the different community the group in marketing the product for assured quality produce, and initiatives in Philippines and in the US as an ingredient for a strongly supported self-reliance and Indonesia are classic examples of nutrient supplement. empowerment of farmers as they local partnership between a pursued new challenges in this Coconut sap sugar (CSS) budding business coconut coconut sap sugar agribusiness production now has a niche market community and government and endeavor. As a result, it provided and presently is in high demand more jobs to coconut farmers, not locally and globally as more and just as producers of nuts and other more of its health benefits are products, but as entrepreneurs with discovered by the scientific a defined business. It is interesting community. This has led to the to note in this context that establishment of cooperative establishment of local units for partnerships of village-level coconut palm sugar production was producers and enterprises with the even undertaken under the aegis of PCA and local government units to Food and Agriculture Organisation enhance and support the (FAO) of the United Nations. In its reinvigoration of the coconut special programme for Food industry in the country. Since then, Security in Asia, FAO initiated the PCA and its research centers Vessel used for collection of Neera programmes in West Java for have conducted massive trainings in Philippines coconut palm sugar production.

Indian Coconut Journal May 2013 21 Theme article

Coconut blossom sugar was and Sri Lanka have their own Comparative nutritional values recognised as the most standards for Neera and coconut of coconut sap sugar vs. brown sustainable form of sugar by palm sugar. The Bureau of sugar FAO. It was referred satirically Agriculture and Fisheries products Element Cocon Brown as a tree that provides year-round Standards in Philippines has (ppm or ut Sap Sugar sustenance for the communities developed specific standards in mg/L) Sugar around them, the only hazard being quality for coconut palm sugar. For Nitrogen 2,020 100 underneath when a coconut drops! instance Premium class is classified Phosphorus 790 35 as Superior quality which has a Potassium 10,300 650 Neera and its value added color of light yellow to cream. Class Magnesium 290 None products are manufactured by all I which is of good quality has a Chloride 4,700 180 the major coconut producing colour of light brown to brown. Sodium 450 None countries. The major players in the Class II includes those which do not Sulfur 260 None field are Indonesia, Philippines, fall in the above two. Copper 2.3 None Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Manganese 1.3 None Vietnam. The major destinations are Aroman cooperative by women Boron 6.3 None USA, Canada, Norway, France, leads in coconut palm sugar Zinc 21.3 2.0 Middle East, South Korea, Japan, production in the Philippines while Iron 21.9 12.6 Australia and New Zealand. Export Chivadi leads in production of Source: Philippine Coconut Authority of Neera and its products, coconut palm syrup. The export Research Development and Extension branch especially palm sugar has shown a price for coconut palm sugar is in APCC standards for coconut surging trend in production and the range of US$ 4.50 -6.50 per palm sugar market demand as a healthy and pound. natural product. Industries based on Parameters Value The global demand for low coconut with vast economic calorie reduced sugar and sugar Color Light yellow/ prospects have been established to free products is increasing day by cream to dark cater to the domestic and local day with the increasing health brown demands. Indonesia produces over awareness in the food market. The 6 lakh MT of palm sugar in a year Odor Sweet pleasant increase in the number of people i.e., around 50,000 MT of palm nutty aroma with obesity, diabetes and dental sugar is produced per month. They caries is also alarming and Neera Taste sweet moved through farmer groups since and coconut palm sugar can provide 90% of the coconut growers are Others Free from filth a healthy viable option. The low small and marginal. Big Tree farms and extraneous Glycemic Index of 35 for Neera and is the fore runner in coconut palm matter its value added products offers a sugar production in Indonesia. potential substitute for people Moisture Cube/block: Indofood and Unilever purchased looking for sugar free foods. Content (%) max 10 around 30,000 MT of coconut palm Granular : Max Coconut palm syrup, jaggery and sugar each in 2011. The production palm sugar can be put to a variety Glucose (%) 2.8-3.0 of palm sugar in Indonesia is of uses like in bakery items, ice estimated to reach 10 lakh MT in creams, coffee, topping on desserts Fructose (%) 1.0-4.0 2012. Even countries like Sri Lanka etc as sweetening agent. In this era and Malaysia which are very much Sucrose (%) 78.0-89.0 when Health is the new wealth behind us in production of coconut which drives the consumer Ash (%) <2.4 have ventured into production of market, promoting a nutritive Neera and palm sugar. Codex Producer Companies will ensure healthy product like Neera and Alimentarius Commission and Asia efficient production of the products. coconut palm sugar will rewrite the Pacific Coconut Community Let us move forward taking the cue history of coconut sector in the (APCC) have developed quality from Indonesia and Phillippines and country. Working through the standards for Neera and its make the coconut sector emerge farmer collectives of CPS, CPF and products. Countries like Philippines sweeter and stronger.

Indian Coconut Journal 22 May 2013 Producer Company

Neera tapping, a viable source of income to farmers Shri. Vijayanda Kaimal from coconut trees for toddy tapping. On the Neera Committee that Neera Thuravoor in Alapuzha district of an average, a coconut tree yield 2- production and marketing can be Kerala, does not 3 liter toddy per day and is being entrusted with Coconut Producers claim to be an sold @ Rs. 70 per liter. Eventhough Societies, their Federations and experienced toddy tapping gives better yield than Producer Companies. He ardently farmer, but firmly coconut harvesting, he is believes that neera production, its believes that neera disappointed that he gets only Rs. value addition and marketing can tapping will 6.50 per tree per day while the make drastic changes in the definitely uplift tapper gets Rs.44 and the Abkari economic status of the farmer. The the farmers and contractor gets Rs.90. recommendation to have 50% of will revitalize the prospects of Kaimal, recently elected as the the income from neera production coconut farmers. On return to his President of Changram Coconut to the farmer and 25% to the tapper home town after retiring from the Producers Society welcomes the is a positive step. Ministry of Human Development, initiative of the Coconut This degree holder from Government of India as the Development Board in Jawaharlal Nehru University Director, he was determined to be spearheading the formation of dreams of a day where the farmer a farmer. farmer collectives, the CPS and will have the right to fix the price It is ten years now since he is federating them to CPFs. According of his produce. Here the farmers into farming. In his 40 acre farm to him neera tapping is the only are denied that right and the middle land he is cultivating paddy and alternative for saving the coconut men is exploiting the farmer. He is coconut. Around 250 TXD and farmers who are reeling under hopeful that the neera policy to be DXT coconut varieties are grown severe price fall of coconut and its enacted by the Government of in his garden which is mostly 5-6 products. He is happy that the Kerala will definitely be an year old. When the price of coconut recommendations put forward by exception. stooped below, Kiamal gave his 35 the Coconut Development Board to Environmental attributes of Coconut Palm Sweeteners world’s most sustainable Many traditional communities Tropical palms are an sweetener. Coconut Palms and throughout the world consider ecologically beneficial tree crop that other sugar producing tropical coconut palms the “Tree of Life”, grows in diverse, wildlife supportive palms are nearly twice as as they provide a variety of agro-ecosystems, restore damaged productive per hectare as accessible products from which soils and require very little water. and are a far more they earn their livelihoods. The Coconut palms are considered the sustainable source of sweetener production of Sweet Tree organic “Tree of Life” by many traditional because they grow in diverse, wild- coconut sugar has the single highest communities throughout the world, life supportive ecosystems as potential for lifting these farmers as one tree can provide a multitude opposed to huge mono-crop into a better life while creating a of usable goods, such as; roofing plantings. Coconut Palms can grow net benefit to their surrounding material, food, coconut water, in severely depleted soil (think of a environment. Coconut palm sugar building material and shade for sandy beach!) and use very little is not produced from the same palm crops. water; In fact, not only do they species as is used for the production Reports by the Food and require such little maintenance, but of palm oil. Coconut palms produce Agriculture Organization (FAO) of they actually improve soil structure, an average of 50-75% more sugar the World Bank show that Coconut fertility and water conservation, per acre than sugar cane and use Palms and other nectar producing thereby allowing marginalized land less than 1/5th the soil nutrients for species of palms are likely the to become lush jungle over time. that production.

Indian Coconut Journal May 2013 23 Theme article

Two Coconut Producer Companies established in Kerala Two Coconut Producer Companies produces especially coconut coconut farmers with about 4000 to made their kick start in Kerala. products. 10000 coconut trees in a Tejaswini Coconut Farmers 242 CPSs and 16 CPFs in geographically well-defined area Producer Company Ltd. is a project Kannur and Kasaragod Districts form a Coconut Producer Society of coconut farmers of Kannur and have formed this company. Each (CPS). To be considered as a Kasaragode District and Palakkad federations comprises of 15 to 25 farmer one should own at least 10 Coconut Producers Company is an CPSs. Cherupuzha, Alakkode, bearing coconut palms in the area initiative of coconut farmers of Udayagiri, and Bheemanadi coming under the CPS. Eight or Palakkad District. Coconut Coconut Federations are the more CPSs in a Grama Panchayat Development Board has initiated members of the newly registered or in a Block Panchayat are the formation of Coconut Producer Thejaswini Coconut Farmers forming a Federation of Coconut Companies (CPC) by associating 8- Producer Company. Other Producer Societies (CPF). These 10 Coconut Producer Federations federations of the nearby area will entities are registered under in a contiguous area with a join this company soon. charitable societies act relevant to consolidated minimum of 8-10 lakh the area in District Registrar Office palms. The objective is socio The objectives of the company and then with Coconut economic upliftment of the farmers include encouraging coconut Development Board. The present through productivity improvement, farmers for better cultivation, venture is the effort of nine existing cost reduction, efficient collective production and marketing so that Federations in the district. marketing and processing and the farmers get maximum price to The equity of the company is product diversification. A farmer coconut, production of organic being mobilized from farmers. Each equity contribution is also proposed coconut, taking up value addition in farmer has to take shares equal to to be mobilized. A matching equity coconut cultivation, exporting value the number of coconut trees owned contribution will be sought from the added organic coconut products, by him/her. The value of each share state Government as one time neera production and its marketing, is one hundred rupees. The farmers assistance for making the CPC organizing FoCT programme, can subscribe shares by paying effective. maximum tender coconut harvesting and production of twenty rupees. The rest may be Tejaswini Coconut Farmers coconut seedlings suitable for paid as produce or cash within the Producer Company Ltd tender coconut, production of value next 24 months or eight harvests Tejaswini Coconut Farmers added products from coconut husk, whichever is earlier. The Company Producer Company Ltd. is a dream coir pith, coconut shell and timber is procuring coconuts, tender project of coconut farmers of and taking up research activities on coconuts and is planning to collect Kannur and Kasaragode District. pest and diseases of coconut and Neera (un-fermented coconut sap), This is the first producer company hybridization of coconut. palm sugar and other produce from registered under Coconut the shareholders and to resell the Palakkad Coconut Producers raw or value added produce to Development Board in Kerala. The Company jurisdiction of the company includes various governmental and business Kannur and Kasaragod District and Palakkad Coconut Producers agencies through its own outlets. the head quarters of the company Company is an initiative of coconut The produce collected from each is at Cherupuzha, which is the main farmers of Palakkad District, farmer is proportionate to his/her market place for agricultural Kerala, India. Here 40 to 100 number of shares.

Indian Coconut Journal 24 May 2013 Theme article

Production of Neera Sunil A. Nair*, Mejosh Jose, Regi J. Thomas, R.V. Nair Central Crops Research Institute, Regional Station, Kayamkulam, Krishnapuram P.O., Kerala State

Amongst the 2,000 odd palm species in the world, only nine species yield inflorescence sap (neera) / sweet juice and of these only four general species are found in India viz., coconut palm, , palmyrah palm and palm. The coconut palm, popularly known as ‘tree of life’, is characteristically a food supplier from its fruit, inflorescence and other edible products. India ranks first in the world in coconut production with a production of 10840 metric tonnes nuts from 1.89 million hectares; of these Kerala has around 18 crore Season and stage for tapping Tapping technique and coconut palms and about 25 % of collection of sap Tapping for extraction of neera the palms could be spared for neera is mostly done in the dry season The selected unopened spadix is tapping. extending from November to March wrapped with fibrous chord of Neera is a sweet juice or sap, and in wet weather period from coconut leaf petiole along its length to prevent it from splitting. obtained by tapping the unopened April to October. Dry weather tapping is done mostly in the low Inflorescence suitable for tapping is inflorescence/spadix of the coconut lying lands where palms do not trained and it consists of gentle palm. The inflorescence of this palm suffer due to moisture stress during uniform beating all over the surface is a source of many food products. drought period. The spathe is using a hardwood mallet twice daily Its unopened spathe can be tapped considered ready for tapping when so as to carefully bruise and rapture to produce inflorescence sap, while the inflorescence opens or is just the tender tissues of the floral its fertilized flowers or fruits can be about to burst. The female flower branch. Approximately seven to ten processed to produce coconut meat, within the unopened spadix causes centimeter of the tip of the spathe milk, cream, oil, water, flour, a swelling at the base and this is cut off. After three days the desiccated coconut, chips and nata indicates the appropriate stage for surface appears moist due to oozing de coco. The sap can be processed tapping. Since coconut produces of juice. An earthen pot is just hung inflorescence regularly in the into sap juice / drink, syrup or honey, around the spadix to collect the successive leaf axils, tapping can be crude sugar or granulated brown oozing juice. The tip of the spaidx done throughout the year. Neera is tied down with a string to a sugar etc. In Philippines it is also can be extracted from Tall palms, nearby petiole or leaf. The daily marketed as an alcoholic drink (4.0- Dwarf palms and the hybrids and slicing of the tip of the spadix allows 6.0% alcohol) or as ‘lambong’ or out of these the hybrids followed by the sap to flow continuously and distilled wine (24.0-45.0% alcohol). Talls are found to be high yielders slicing is done once in the morning and most preferred. and evening. The finer the slice, the

Indian Coconut Journal May 2013 25 Theme article longer is the life of the spadix. The afternoon is sweeter than in the addition of bio-preservative ‘nisin’ mouth of the receptacle is covered morning. To produce sweet at a concentration of 10 ppm was with a net to prevent the entry of inflorescence sap, it is necessary found to enhance shelf life of neera. insects, mice and lizards. The that all tools and containers used A foil based multilayer packaging collected inflorescence sap is should always be clean. material such as PET (Polyethylene filtered through a sieve to remove Terephtalate) / aluminium foil was Preservation of the collected the foreign particles. found suitable to prevent adverse neera (inflorescence sap) light. In order to increase the The yield of sap gradually Neera undergoes fermentation product appeal, the suspended increases and when it reaches the when exposed to sunlight. It first particles in neera were removed by maximum, the collection is made undergoes alcoholic and then acetic centrifugation at 4000 rpm for 10 twice in a day. The flow of the sap acid fermentation through microbial min. The product as such without from the inflorescence continues action. As the sap is highly any additive treatment as well as for about one month or even more. perishable due to the natural yeast heat processing was stable up to 72 During this period, the second micro flora, the harvested sap hr. When the product was spathe is also brought into should be immediately processed by processed either by in-pack production.Tapping is usually pasteurizing for 10 minutes at 65O pasteurization or through retort continued for a period of six months C in a large cast iron pan. This pouch processing, the shelf life was with a possibility of three spathes prevents the fermentation of the about one year under refrigerated on the same tree being tapped at sap. Such hygienically prepared condition and 30 days under the same time. The maximum yield sap can be stored upto three days ambient conditions. of neera is usually obtained during without any change in its quality. the third month after Taking into account the vast The commercial neera available in commencement of tapping. On an market potential of ‘neera’ the market has an undesirable average a palm yields about 1.8-2.4 (unfermented inflorescence sap), odour. Numerous methods are litres of neera. Government should take measures available for removing the odour, to accede to farmer’s demand for In Philippines tapping is done improving quality and shelf life of their right to tap and market neera. twice a day. Harvesting of the extracted neera. A favourable decision in this regard inflorescence sap can be done in According to the method will definitely benefit the coconut the morning (taken before 8 am) for developed by DRDO, thermal farmers and make coconut farming production of and in the processing of neera at a more competitive, which is afternoon (not later than 3 pm) for temperature of more than 95O C otherwise losing its market to the production of sap juice, honey and reduction of thermal stress by cheaper oils. and sugar since sap produced in the The Neera Board constituted in In Karnataka, Khadi Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has Karnataka to market the value a demonstration unit for promoting Neera as a health drink. The added products made from neera central government is trying to develop Neera clusters under the consists of representatives from the neera industry, i.e farmers, state scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industrial (SFURTI). government officials and neera This will undertake programmes to help those who tap the Coconut training institute. The key objective trees and has under its wings 50 co-operative societies and of the Board is to inspect and institutions throughout the Gramodyog Sangham. The control the quality of neera and its implementation of this scheme is as part of the increasing products, give approval to labels and come out with various schemes for availability of the drink, with the aim of generating more employment the sale of neera and it’s by products opportunities for the Tappers. in the international market.

Indian Coconut Journal 26 May 2013 Theme article

Focus on commercialisation of technologies to capitalise the opportunities for neera

Jayashree.A Senior Technical Officer, CDB,Kochi-11

Product diversification and by product utilisation is palm. The sap is extracted generally during the early one of the thrust areas identified by the Board for morning hours. The tapping involves the extraction of promoting coconut industry. The Coconut exuded sap from the inflorescence that yields sweet Development Board has been making several efforts sap. The tapping methods vary from country to country to promote product diversification in coconut so as to and within the country. The spathe is considered ready reduce dependency on copra & coconut oil market for tapping when the mature one bursts or is just about and enable coconut farmers to get more remunerative to burst. The female flower within the unopened spadix price for coconut. Promotion of Neera as Nutritious causes a swelling at the base and its appearance health drink has been identified as an important indicates the appropriate stage for tapping. The yield marketing strategy for ensuring remunerative price to of sap gradually increases and when it reaches the coconut farmers. Neera and its downstream products maximum, the collection is made twice in a day. The like coconut palm sugar, jaggery and syrup are some flow of the sap from the inflorescence continues for of the viable products for commercial exploitation to about one month or even more. During this period, the augment income for coconut farmers. second spathe is also brought into production. The tapping is usually continued for a period of six months The vascular sap collected by tapping the immature with a possibility of three spathes on the same tree coconut inflorescence is popularly called Neera. Neera being tapped at the same time. The maximum yield of is sweet, oyster white in colour, translucent, high in Neera is usually obtained in the third month after the nutrititional value, and susceptible to commencement of tapping. The yield of Neera is highly natural fermentation at ambient temperature within a variable. It varies considerably from day to day, season few hours of extraction. On fermentisation, Neera to season, spadix to spadix and tree to tree. The period becomes toddy. Neera is widely consumed in India, during which the spadix yields Neera is from 27 to 33 Sri Lanka, Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and days in India. The studies on the yield of Neera have .It is a delicious and nutritious drink rich in recorded an average of about 18 litres of Neera per carbohydrates with sources, minerals, vitamins proteins spadix for a tapping period of about one month. Trees, etc and nearby neutral pH. It contains abscorbic acid, which yield a large number of nuts, have been found nicotinic acid and riboflavin. The drink is popular on to yield plenty of sap {Neera}. Such palms in India account of its high nutritive value, delicious taste and yield up to 300 litres of Neera during 6 months of agreeable flavour. Coconut sap is a sweet juice or sap, tapping. On an average, the yield of Neera per palm obtained by tapping the unopened spadix of the coconut per day is about 1.5 litres.

Indian Coconut Journal May 2013 27 Theme article

In Tamilnadu, neera called as “Padaneer”, is retain the vitamins, sugar, and other nutrients beneficial traditionally extracted and sold by KVIC and Tamil for health. To extend the shelf life of neera, heat Nadu Palm Products Co-operative association sell preservation techniques such as pasteurization are refrigerated Padaneer at their outlets. In Andhra used. A special filtration technique to enhance the shelf Pradesh the Khadi and Village Industries life of neera was developed by the National Chemical Commission (KVIC) promotes neera as a health drink. Laboratory in , India. In Maharastra and , neera is made available Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL) in through various outlets known as “Neera Vikri collaboration with Central Food Technological Research Kendra”. The Neera Palm Product Cooperative Institute (CFTRI), has developed the process Society had set up small green kiosks that sold neera for the preservation of coconut sap (neera) during July in major railway stations, but they are now only to be 2002 - March 2003.The process involves collecting found alongside highways and expressways outside coconut sap from the spathe of coconut palm, which the Mumbai city area. In Orissa , the state government is tapped earlier for more than 10 days using a mud established a cooperative organisation known as the pot, early morning from the nearby coconut farm, with Orissa State Palmgur Cooperative Federation to healthy trees, identified specifically for the purpose and provide technological support in the processing and transported to the laboratory in the mobile chiller (4°C) production of neera and its associated by-products such followed by filtering the sap, chilling the filtered sap as jaggery and . However tapping of coconut solution in the range of 2° to 8°C and adding an acidulant palm is seldom practiced commercially. In Karnataka citric acid in the range of 0.04 to 0.2%. Further the state government has constituted the Neera Board, comprising farmers, provincial government officials and neera training institutes with an objective to inspect and control the quality of Neera and its product, give approvals for various schemes for sale of Neera and its by-products in the international markets.In order to give impetus to the coconut processing and Neera industry in Karnataka a separate policy was considered by the Karnataka Government called Karnataka Neera Policy -2006. In Kerala certain amendments have to be made to the Excise Rules by the Govt. of Kerala so as to enable the entrepreneurs to under take tapping and production of Neera. The Board has urged the State Govt. to take action for amendments of the relevant rules for production of Neera on pilot basis. preservative nisin of 5 to 15 ppm is added followed by Govt. of Kerala in the current year budget has bottling the solution and croning the glass bottles, and announced a grant of 15 crores for establishment of pasteurizing the bottles at 90-95° C for a time period 10 units at the rate of 1.50 crores for each unit. A of 3 to 7 minutes wherein the coconut sap retain its state level committee constituted by Govt. has also natural constituents. Heat preservation methods such submitted its report recommending neera production, as pasteurisation and sterilisation are necessary to processing and marketing through federated coconut preserve and extend the shelf life of the product. producers societies, coconut producers federations and Temperature requirement for thermal processing of coconut producer companies. the Neera was found to be more than 95° C. Thermal Neera is highly susceptible to natural fermentation stress could be reduced by the addition of bio- at ambient temperature within a few hours of preservative nisin at a minimum concentration of 10 extraction from the palm source. Once fermented, it ppm both for in-pack pasteurisation and retort transforms into toddy with 4% alcohol. Using several processing. Furthermore, Neera is highly photosensitive technologies developed by various research institutes, due to the presence of ascorbic acid, hence foil-based neera is processed and preserved in its natural form to multi-layer packaging material such as PET/aluminium

Indian Coconut Journal 28 May 2013 Theme article foil/cast pp was found suitable to which is tapped earlier for more Agricultural University has prevent the adverse effect of light. than 10 days using a pot, filtering established a Pilot Plant with a In order to increase the product the sap to remove any impurities; processing capacity of 500 litres of appeal, the suspended particles in chilling the filtered sap to 2-8°C until Neera per day with the support Neera were removed by processing, adding deodourizing aids from ICAR. The technology could centrifugation at 4000 rpm for 10 either Bentonite or activated carbon be transferred to entrepreneurs by min. The product as such without and stirring the contents; the KAU. However, the any additive treatment as well as centrifuging or filtering the mixture; entrepreneurs to whom the heat processing was stable up to 72 optionally adding a preservative, technology would have to be hr. When the product was packing the deodourised sap in eventually transferred for processed either by in-pack glass containers and crowning the commercial production would pasteurisation or through retort glass bottles, and pasteurizing the require permission under the Abkari pouch processing, the shelf life was bottles at 90-95°C for 3-7 min.The Act for trapping Neera. About 250 about one year under refrigerated bottles were cooled to 27° C. The yielding coconut palms are required condition and 30 days under juice had a characterstic cloudy for the production of 500 litres of ambient conditions. No difference appearence of neera devoid of Neera. M/s Subicsha (a company was observed between retort fermented odour without any promoted by Perambra Block processed samples and in-pack sedimentation. Panchayath for Women Self Help pasteurised samples. The latter was Groups under SGSY project of Technology to preserve the found to be cost-effective. Govt. of India) has come up with a sweet coconut inflorescence sap in proposal for commencing Another invention provides an non-alcoholic form under ambient production of Neera and its improved process for the condition has been developed by downstream products on a pilot preparation coconut sap collected Regional Agricultural Research scale. from the spathe of coconut palm by Station, Nileswar (Kerala retaining all its cloudiness and Agricultural University). By this Director of Horticulture, natural constituents.Invention technology the coconut Government of Karnataka has relates to a process for the inflorescence sap can be preserved taken up a project for establishment preservation of deodourised and marketed as a soft drink as well of Neera demonstration unit at coconut sap (neera) by removal of as there is scope for promoting Horticulture Farm, Thumbe, D. obnoxious odour of the coconut sap small scale industries for preparing for preservation of is also patented. The process, in edible by products from Neera. The tapped Neera thermally in glass particular, describes the method of technology for production of value bottles at a total cost of Rs.115 lakhs preservation of coconut sap in glass added products such as jaggery, with share of Deptt. of Horticulture, bottles. The fresh coconut sap is rich sugar, chocolate granulated powder, Karnataka (75%) to the tune of in carbohydrates with sucrose as its coconut honey etc. were also Rs.86.25 lakhs and Share of main constituent. It is well known developed by KAU. However the Coconut Development Board that the coconut sap ferments very technology could not be (25%) to the tune of Rs.28.75 quickly even during the process of commercialized owing to lakhs. The production capacity is collection thus producing alcohol in restrictions prevailing in tapping of envisaged at 10000 lts per day. The it. The fermented sap smells coconut trees for production of objective of the project was to obnoxiously thus making it Neera. The issue has already been optimize the use of available natural unacceptable as a beverage for taken up with the State resources, to educate the farmers consumption. Hence, there is a Governments and it is expected that there by improve the economic need to deodorize and preserve the some units for the down stream position of the farmers and to keep coconut sap without affecting its products such as Jaggery, alive the tapping traditions of nutritional quality. The process Granulated powder and Coconut Dakshina Kannada and involves collecting coconut sap honey using this technology would demonstration is taken up in order from the spathe of coconut palm, come up in the near future. Kerala (Continued on page 31)

Indian Coconut Journal May 2013 29 Theme article

Lakshadweep realizes the potential of Neera Sasikumar C Technical Officer, Coconut Development Board, Kochi

The economy of Lakshadweep activity undertaken in the island for a comfortable life, income is mainly dependent on agriculture since time immemorial. generated from copra alone will not and fisheries. This part of the Agricultural Department is suffice the increasing demand. The country has wealth that is yet to be implementing various schemes on only way out is to go for high value exploited. The economy here is agricultural development in agriculture through product simple and open with ample scope Lakshadweep. The Coconut diversification and value addition. for development. Lakshadweep Development Program is an agriculture earns the livelihood for Tapping of neera is intrinsically important scheme for increasing the more than ninety percent of the related to the life of the people of production of coconut. population of this Union Territory. Lakshadweep. Tapping is usually Coconut cultivation is a major Lakshadweep being a coconut done during September to economic activity of the people of territory, coconut productivity plays December. Tapping is done at the Lakshadweep. Coconut is grown in an important role in improving the auspicious of the Agriculture 2700 ha. in 11 islands and the economic status of the islands. Department and is included under production is 40 metric tonnes per Productivity has almost reached to the coconut development year. Lakshadweep Ordinary and the saturation level and no programme. Department has fixed Lakshadweep Micro are the two uncultivable land is available for the wages of tappers @ Rs. 250 common varieties grown and copra converting into cropping area. per day and the tapper should and coconut oil are the traditional Increase in population is mounting collect 10 liter neera per day. coconut products made. Tender pressure on resources available in Department is giving the farmer coconut harvesting is also picking the territory. In order to meet the Rs.800 for 6 months for neera up now. Tapping of neera is another requirement of growing population tapping. Farmers are also giving trees directly for neera tapping.

Indian Coconut Journal 30 May 2013 Theme article

Neera tapping initially started in used for making neera. After 40 shallow round bottom vessels. Two- Androth and Kalpeni Islands and days of fermentation in a well three calcium stones are also later on in Minicoy, Kavaratti and ventilated room, the sap is deposited in the solution for Kadamat islands. Tapping is done harvested as vinegar. After the balancing the pH. Neera collected both in the morning and in the evaporation loss around 95 liter in the evening is also poured into it evening. On an average 1.5 to 2 vinegar can be produced from 100 and is heated at 80oC. This solution litres neera is obtained from a palm. liter neera. Vinegar is having good is heated and stirred continuously Department is selling neera as a demand in the Island since it is an for eight hours. Later on, it is soft drink which is sold for Rs.15- ingredient in all seafood dishes. removed from fire and is stirred 20 per litre. Neera collected from Lakshadweep vinegar is popular in continuously until it gets cold. The the tappers is also used for making Kerala especially in Malabar areas. jelly like jaggery is packed in glass vinegar and jaggery. Vinegar, a Vinegar is produced by the jars and is sold @ Rs. 250 per kg. permanent natural preservative department as well as private This product has good market in the ingredients for pickles, salads, parties. The department is selling island itself since it is used for soups, etc. and jaggery - a vinegar @ Rs. 22 per litre while making a variety of sweet snacks. colloidal sugary substance made out private parties are selling it @ Neera tapping is a potential of coconut neera used for making Rs.30 per litre. source of revenue for the a varieties of snacks, a best Coconut jaggery is a common Lakshadweep Island. Neera substitute for jams, for making cool cottage industry in Lakshadweep. tapping is allowed in the Island and drinks etc. are very commonly used The island is having to its credit its the department is directly running in Lakshadweep. own conventional method of making coconut jaggery and vinegar units. Neera is stored in large plastic coconut jaggery out of neera. This success story of Lakshadweep containers with a clean netted cover Tappers as well as the department is a best model to prove the allowing aeration and prevent entry making jaggery. Around 7 liter relevance of tapping neera and also of dirt and other foreign neera is required for making 1 kg. the significance of product objects. Earlier earthern pots were jaggery. Coconut neera immediately diversification and value addition. after collecting it, is boiled in large (Continued from page 29) to bring Neera Policy in Karnataka. input cost not exceeding Rs.50 also scope for small scale industries It was decided to set up a pilot lakhs under Technology Mission on for honey, chocolate, candy and neera plant for processing and Coconut. If the unit needs financial from Neera. Setting up of packing of neera at Dakshina support, any Bank / financial such units will fetch better returns Kannada or Udipi district, as the institutions can be approached with and generate employment two districts do not need any excise detailed project report for availing opportunities in rural areas. In order clearance as it is exempted and loan. A detailed project report along to offset the crises of price toddy tapping is allowed in these with application, Bank appraisal, fluctuation streamlining the process two districts.The pilot plant has loan sanction letter and all the will allow the farmers to capitalise already started trial production and relevant supporting documents has on the opportunity to produce packing of neera. Attempts are also to be submitted if the party intends coconut neera and its by products made at packing in different for avail the financial assistance which has excellent international flavours as per the customer’s from the Coconut Development market, besides the domestic preferences. Board under the TMOC scheme, market. This will allow the farmers for production, processing, branding to capitalise on the opportunity to Once the clearence is obtained and marketing of neera in packaged produce coconut neera and its by from the concerned state govts, form and for downstream products products which has excellent Coconut Development Board can like coconut palm syrup, jaggery international market, besides the extend back ended credit linked and coconut palm sugar. There is domestic market. capital subsidy limited to 25% of the

Indian Coconut Journal May 2013 31 Theme article

Neera Production through CPS, CPF and Producer Companies Formation of Coconut Producer Companies are already develop value added products like Producers Societies (CPS) was established and many are in the syrup, jaggery and palm sugar. The initiated by the Board with an offing, which are expected to be palms to be tapped can be marked objective to mobilize coconut milestones to transform the entire in advance. Tapped Neera collected farmers and establish grass root coconut sector. The idea is to by the Federations through the level farmer institutions for translate small farmers member CPS can be brought to a undertaking production, processing organizations to sound, dynamic primary processing centre which is and marketing of coconut. 40-100 functional teams. localized within the district. farmers having 4000-5000 coconut Neera production, processing The processing of Neera can be palms in their jurisdiction form a and packaging can be undertaken done under the strict supervision of CPS. Such 20-25 CPS units of a under the auspices of Federations officials from KAU for a definite particular area are aggregated to of CPS registered with CDB. The period till the sector get stabilized. form Coconut Producers’ neera committee constituted by Tapped Neera need not be Federations (CPF). Federations Government of Kerala has transported outside the district undertake activities like production recommended to give license for where it is produced thus preventing of value added coconut products Neera production to Federations of chances for misuse. Further coconut chips, ball copra, CPS registered with CDB. Neera processing to other products like desiccated coconut, virgin coconut is collected at CPS level and palm syrup, palm jaggery and palm oil, charcoal etc. CPFs also extended assembled at a primary processing sugar can be undertaken at the level support @ 50% subsidy for the centre under the auspices of of Federations or Farmer Producer installation of community Federation. Primary processing of Companies envisaged by CDB. infrastructure for copra making. So Neera can be done here under the Neera should be taken out of the far 3536 CPS and 125 Coconut guidance of the authorized research Abkari act since it is unfermented Producers Federations are agency with strict monitoring of registered with the Board. These inflorescence sap. Value of tapped Federation. Further, processing and Neera should be shared between federations can form the base for packing of Neera can be done at the farmer and the Neera technician permitting production of Neera. district level processing unit at in a fixed proportion so that both the Board has the broad objective of Federation level. Producer stakeholders are benefited and the integrating CPFs to form Producer Companies can initiate processing sector emerges in a sustained Companies (PC). Two Coconut and value addition of neera and manner. CPSs can start given training to Neera Technicians and identify coconut palms suitable for Neera tapping. Out of the 18 crores coconut palms in Kerala initially 1% may be set apart for Neera tapping. Tapping of 18 lakh palms would generate additional revenue of Rs.5400 crores in a year (300 days).Tapping and sale of Neera is permitted in States & UTs like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar and Puducherry.

Indian Coconut Journal 32 May 2013 Recommendations of Neera Committee from the said rule for tapping neera. The expert committee The committee has For the modernization of toddy constituted by Government of recommended that Neera sector and for the production of Kerala under the Chairmanship of production, processing and neera and value added products Shri. Anil Xavier IAS, Excise marketing can be entrusted with federated Coconut Producers from neera, Toddy Neera Commissioner to study the potential Development Board shall be of neera submitted its report to Shri. Societies, their Federations, and Producer Companies. As special established. Cess @ Rs.1 per liter K Babu, Minister for Excise, processing units are required for the of Indian made foreign liquor may Government of Kerala. The collection and processing of Neera, be introduced for funding this committee examined various issues it should not be allowed as a part of Board. like how neera tapping can be toddy parlours. Necessary beneficial to farmers, the alcoholic On receiving the report, Shri. K. amendments shall be made in the Babu Excise Minister, Government of content in neera, production, existing rules on Issue of License Kerala assured that the government marketing and export of neera etc. for drawing sweet toddy(neera) for will certainly take a positive view of Dr. K Muralidharan, Director CDB enabling neera production, and its it and will promote the coconut was a member of the nine member value addition. License from the water-based drink Neera as a non- committee. Excise department shall be obtained alcoholic health drink. Certified health claims for virgin coconut oil Government of Philippines is on the effects of VCO on (bad cholesterol) could lead to pushing for the removal of the cholesterol levels in the country. The plaque formation in the inner lining phrase “no approved therapeutic UST Research Team was led by of the arteries that blocks the free claims” in Virgin Coconut Oil Dr. Christina Binag of the UST circulation of blood in the heart and (VCO) product labels after a clinical Research Center for Natural and to the brain. When the arteries are study and similar studies have Applied Science based in Manila, clogged-up, there is a high risk of proved that VCO increases good Philippines. The study was heart attack and stroke. The UST cholesterol. Philippine Coconut commissioned by the Philippine Team of medical doctors and Authority (PCA) has requested the Coconut Authority and involved 110 scientists indicated that the Philippine Bureau of Agricultural participants who took 3 tablespoons improved cholesterol to HDL ratio and Fishery Product Standards of VCO every day for 4 months can mean that the individuals are (BAFPS) to allow the producers of while 79 others had a placebo less prone to heart attack or stroke. VCO to remove the phrase “no treatment for the same period. Aside from the effects on the lipid approved therapeutic claims” from The results of the clinical study profile, the scientists also reported the PCA certified VCO products. revealed decreases in triglycerides that the VCO takers had regular February 2012, a team of scientist and very low density lipoprotein bowel movement, increased and medical doctors from the (VLDL) - which is considered as appetite and stamina, and better University of Santo Tomas (UST) bad cholesterol, among the VCO sleep. Similar studies have also Research Center in Manila, takers. The VCO takers had no been done in India and Sri Lanka. Philippines presented to the public change in their low density We can therefore say that there is and journalists the results of a lipoprotein (LDL); they showed now strong proof to disprove the Clinical Study which they have elevated high density lipoprotein allegations about coconut oil conducted on the Effects of Virgin (HDL) or good cholesterol. Medical consumption and its relation to Coconut Oil (VCO) on the Human doctors and scientists have enhancing the risk of coronary Body. The study was the largest indicated that high VLDL and LDL artery disease. clinical research ever undertaken Source: The Cocommunity

Indian Coconut Journal May 2013 33 News

Health benefits of coconut nectar shaky, irritable, weak, dizzy, unable Coconut organic nectar Cancer to concentrate and excessive sometimes also called as coconut Many researches have shown feeling of hunger after few hours sap has high nutrient content, such that there is a relation between high of eating. Low GI foods will make as;- essential minerals (potassium, insulin levels and variety of cancer insulin to response slowly, because magnesium, zinc and iron) and formation, including breast, this kind of foods will raise blood vitamins. Moreover, it has a very colorectal, prostate and pancreas. sugar levels gradually. It will low glycemic index and glycemic There are also studies which show prevent the blood glucose to drop load, so coconut organic nectar will association between diet of high too low. produce slow release energy, sugar, refined carbohydrates, high without regular blood glucose levels glycemic load and cancer Diabetes become too high or too low. The last development. Many studies have proven that one may be the most important Cardiovascular Disease consuming low glycemic index health benefit of coconut organic carbohydrates instead of high GI nectar. By maintaining blood Avoiding refined and high GI ones can help lower blood sugar glucose as well as insulin level in carbohydrates will significantly levels in people who have diabetes. normal range, coconut organic reduce the risk of heart disease. A low GI diet also helps prevent nectar can help preventing and These type of foods increase blood diabetes from ever developing in the treating various health problems. insulin levels which then contribute first place. That’s why; glycemix Here are some of them; to higher blood pressure, blood fats index diet becomes an important Obesity and tend to form dangerous clot that part of nutrition therapy for diabetes stay in blood stream. in New Zealand, Canada, Australia As a low GI food, coconut and Europe for many years. organic nectar will be slowly Hypoglycemia digested and cause a gradual rise People with hypoglycemia However, due to its fabulous in blood glucose. It will keep you secrete too much insulin after health benefits of coconut organic feeling satisfied and resulted in eating, resulting in too much sugar nectar, this natural sweetener is also delaying the feeling of hunger that was removed from the blood. good for those who don’t have between meals. As the end result, the body may feel health problems as listed above. Vitamins and Minerals in Coconut Sap Vitamin Content of Mineral Content of Coconut Sap Macronutrient Mg/L Freshly Gathered Coconut Sap Coconut Sap (ppm) in Dry Matter Fresh Coconut Sap Nitrogen (N) 2,020.0 Vitamin Value (MG/DL) Phosphorous (P) 790.0 Potassium (K) Thiamine (B-1) 77.00 10,300.0 Calcium (Ca) 60.0 Riboflavin (B-2) 12.20 Magnesium (Mg) 290.0 Panthothenic Acid (B-5) 38.40 Sodium (Na) 450.0 Niacin (B-3) 40.60 Chlorine (Cl) 4,700.0 Biotin (B-7) 0.17 Sulfur (S) 260.0 Folic Acid (B-9) 0.24 Boron (B) 6.3 Inositol 127.70 Zinc (Zn) 21.2 Choline 9.00 Manganese (Mn) 1.3 Vitamin (B-12) trace Copper (Cu) 2.3 Vitamin C 23.4 Iron (Fe) 21.9

Indian Coconut Journal 34 May 2013 Coconut-Carbon Sink

Our great green umbrellas G.S.Unnikrisnan Nair Asst. Director of Agriculture on Deputation in Kerala State Biodiversity Board as Scientific Officer

There is no palm in this world, primarily as it arises from the investigated worldwide. We can more beautiful than the coconut. combustion of fossil fuels. Excess increase carbon sequestration by

The dense shade of nature’s green in CO2 can cause the earth’s working with some specialists in umbrellas, the coconut palms are temperature to increase causing this field, the trees. They have also providing relief to the people erratic changes in climate. Higher almost 350 million years’ experience of tropics from the scorching sun. maximum and minimum in sequestering carbon. Trees, like The coconut has an intimate relation temperatures would lead to more other green plants, use with humankind through the variety hot days in most landmasses; photosynthesis to convert carbon of products and services it provides likewise, the amplitude and dioxide (CO2) into sugar, cellulose including environmental benefits, frequency of extreme rainfall are and other carbon-containing which is very much significant expected to increase over many carbohydrates that they use for food during this global warming era. years. and growth. Trees are unique in their ability to lock up large amounts Global warming has speeded up and Trees-Storehouses of Carbon debates continue about the best of carbon in their wood, and way to slow the increase of carbon Carbon needs to be pulled out continue to add carbon as they dioxide that is trapping heat in the of the atmosphere and put into long- grow. Considering that one half of term storage elsewhere. This the weight of dried wood is carbon, Earth’s atmosphere. CO2 is reported to be the most significant process is called carbon trees in a forest hold a lot of carbon. “greenhouse” gas among the sequestration, and high-technology When the enormous amount of GHGs produced by human activities ways to accomplish it are being carbon stored in forest soils is added

Indian Coconut Journal May 2013 35 Coconut-Carbon Sink to the trees’ carbon, it becomes The net primary production extensive coconut lands has a high obvious that forests are major (NPP) estimations of coconut potential to mitigate carbon carbon storage reservoirs. Although monocrop in different agro-climatic emissions. forests do release some CO from zones indicated that annual carbon 2 It was found by PCA that sequestration potential of coconut natural processes such as decay among the crops studied, coconut above ground biomass ranged from and respiration, a healthy forest had an average C storage capacity 8 Ton CO /ha to 32T CO /ha typically stores carbon at a greater 2 2 of 24.1T C/ha per year. Study of depending on variety, agro-climatic rate than it releases carbon. PCA indicates that the growing zone, soil type and management. coconut palm assimilates more Coconut –Potential Carbon Sink The standing carbon stocks ranged carbon dioxide during daytime in the from 18 T CO /ha to 51 T CO /ha. The actual rate of carbon 2 2 process of photosynthesis than they Annually sequestered carbon sequestration by trees will vary release in darkness through stocked in to stem was in the range with species, climate and site. Even respiration. Only the excess carbon of 0. 3 to 2.3 CERs (Certified though Plantations sequester less dioxide assimilated is sequestered Emission Reductions). A “certified carbon than natural forests, they are as stored carbon in the woody emission reduction” or “CER” is a also valuable carbon sinks. In tree biomass and not all the carbon unit representing one ton of carbon crops, carbon is stored or dioxide assimilated. The coconut dioxide-equivalent (CO -e) sequestered both by the biomass 2 palms also enrich the carbon sequestered or abated, using global and the soil of the ecosystem. Thus, content of the soil occupied by them warming potentials defined by 2/ tree biomass and the soil are the through the regular addition of CP.3 of Kyoto protocol. According main carbon sinks of atmospheric organic debris, particularly dead and to the study, annual C sequestration CO . decaying root tissues, the root 2 by coconut plantation was higher in exudates etc. The crop was also Productive and sustainable red sandy loam soils and lowest in found to have the most stable C coconut farming ecosystems are coastal sandy soils. storage, being a perennial crop with potential “carbon sinks” that can The output on the net primary almost nil burning of crop residues minimize the effect of climate production of coconut in its compared to other agricultural change. Central Plantation Crops economic life span of 60 years was crops such as rice and sugarcane. Research Institute, Kasaragod also observed. Estimates indicate conducted studies in different agro- While young and growing palms long- term (about 60 years) carbon climatic zones to estimate the are capable of net absorption of stocking in stem is more than 150 carbon stocks and sequestrations carbon dioxide, mature palms with T CO /ha. The carbon stored for 2 little growth do not sequester by coconut mono-crop. Since in short to medium period (2 to 5years) additional carbon, as their coconut tree also biomass and the was found to be 1350 T CO /ha 2 assimilation during daytime soil are the main carbon sinks, during the entire economic life span normally equals their emission researchers estimated the annual of coconut. Further, carbon storage during night. When the palms biomass production of coconut in leaf and inflorescence, for short become over mature, they probably palms per hectare. About 45% of to medium duration (2-3 years) was become net emitters of carbon this was taken as sequestered estimated to be around 1000 T dioxide, as their absorption during carbon. Similarly the annual CO /ha in entire span of coconut. accumulation to the soil carbon 2 daytime is less than the quantity stock was measured. The carbon Growing coconut palm emitted in respiration. PCA sequestration would, however, assimilates more carbon dioxide recommends that if coconut palms are to function as effective sink of depend on the health and growth According to a study by carbon, they have to be replanted rate of trees and the replanting Philippine Coconut Authority before they reach full maturity to cycle adopted. Thus, the standing (PCA), adoption of coconut farming maintain a healthy and dynamic biomass and annual biomass systems could help ease the effects growing stand of palms production in coconut was studied of climate change. According to continuously. by CPCRI. PCA, the Philippines, with its

Indian Coconut Journal 36 May 2013 Coconut-Carbon Sink

Coconut palms also permit the organisms in a specific ecosystem) trading has to be examined on a growing of miscellaneous tree do not show a reduction along a priority basis. species as companion crops. In decreasing moisture gradient from The Clean Development such a cropping system the carbon WL3 to DL3 on S2, even as it shows Mechanism (CDM) is presented as sequestration potential per hectare a reduction from WL3 to DL3 on an opportunity for developing annually will be much higher than S4. The net C balance reduces from countries to get certified in order to that of a monocrop of coconut palm. WL3 to DL3 on S4, even as it does negotiate subsidies from the Carbon not reduce from WL3 to DL3 on More moisture, more Carbon (C) market. Productivity and net S2. Of the measured components, sequestration carbon balance of types of land GPP and maintenance respiration of used for coconut are key issues for The study of Srilanka Coconut coconut palms and soil respiration the CDM. Various Studies revealed Research Institute estimated the had greater contributions to the that a 25-26 yr old tall coconut carbon sequestration potential of overall C balance of the system. plantation could sequester about 17- 25-year-old Tall x Tall coconut Subsidies from the Carbon (C) 80 MT of Carbon dioxide per plantations under S2 (highly suitable market hectares in one year depending on for coconut) and S4 (moderately the agro-climatic and soil suitable for coconut) soils in wet Coconut lands could be conditions. If the carbon is (WL3, high moisture availability), developed for income-generating marketed at the rate of 11 US$ / intermediate (IL1a, moderate carbon sequestration projects and unit, growers can earn about Rs moisture availability) and dry (DL3, the carbon credit market. Under the 20,000 – 96,000 per ha in one year low moisture availability) agro- 1997 Kyoto Protocol, industrialized under CDM. The same coconut climatic conditions during May to countries committed to reduce their plantations contain a carbon stock September. Variation in total carbon emissions of carbon dioxide and of about 30 - 70 MT per one hac stock (plant and soil), total carbon other green house gases (GHGs) or (plant and soil) depending on the input (measured as Gross Primary engage in emissions trading if they agro-climatic and soil conditions. Production of coconut, GPP), total maintain or unable to decrease their Carbon stored in plants other than carbon output (measured as plant emission of gases. These countries the stem wood or trunks are and soil respiration) and net carbon can meet part of their target in generally decomposable biomass, balance of ecosystems were reducing global CO emission by 2 which eventually becomes part of assessed. It was found that there purchasing emission reduction the soil organic matter (SOM) of is a significant agro-ecological credits from developing countries in which the more stable component region (AER) x land suitability class the form of planted forest and is the 50 percent soil organic (LSC) effect on all the components plantations. carbon (SOC). of the carbon balance in a coconut The above studies indicate that plantation. The total ecosystem Coconut-producing countries Coconut - as a perennial tree crop carbon stock reduces along a and the agencies concerned should with 50-60 years of economic decreasing moisture gradient from do more formal and scientific lifespan, has a great potential as WL3 to DL3 and decreasing soil collaborative studies in this area. Carbon Sink for mitigating climate fertility gradient from S2 to S4. These are needed in order to take change. Hence coconut is an the best advantage of the desirable The GPP (Gross Primary important candidate of carbon attribute of coconut production and Productivity -Gross primary sequestration for carbon trade in its ecosystem, not only for judicious production is the total energy or Clean Development Mechanism. environmental management but, nutrients assimilated by an Farmers, who cultivated coconut, more importantly, to generate ecological unit such as an organism, should be paid for sequestering acceptable methodologies and a population, or an entire carbon dioxide, but the issue had to empirical data for certified emission community) and Rtot–eco (Total be taken up at inter-government credits. Coconut palms are no ecosystem respiration- the sum of level. To what extent coconut doubt, one of our finest shields for all respiration occurring by the living monocropping and coconut-based the warming world. agro forestry qualify for carbon

Indian Coconut Journal May 2013 37 Pest & Disease

Black headed caterpillar spreads across Visakhapatnam

The black-headed caterpillar odd trees were affected and spraying or introduce bio-agents on disease has affected two-thirds of seemed to be in a bad shape. The the affected trees which eat away the 7,500 hectares of coconut area others can be salvaged and the the black-headed caterpillar. plantations can be back on track in in Visakhapatnam and the farmers Spraying of pesticide was not one year,” observed Rao. have initiated control measures. possible in case of long trees and The disease has severely affected Rao said one of the reasons for root-feeding method (mixing a in Anakapalle, Mungapaka and S. the pest quickly spreading in the pesticide with water and tying the Rayavaram mandals. region was that the trees were too bagful of mixture to a root) could The crown of coconut tree closely planted. be adopted in such cases, he said. would turn black and all its green Campaign is being conducted Rain would bring down the problem leaves would be licked away by the and demonstrations organised to but right now hot summer heat was black-headed caterpillar. The nuts being experienced, he added. would die young causing a huge loss to the coconut farmer. More than 500 hectares of coconut plantation in 15-20 villages in the Anakapalle-Munagapaka zone has been hit by the pest, directly affecting more than 600 families and close to 1,000 agricultural workers who are totally dependent on the yield. Farmers told a team of horticulturists and scientists who surveyed the damaged coconut plantations in the Anakapalle belt that their yield had dropped by 50% Coconut garden severely affected by black headed caterpillar in a span of four months. explain to the farmers the ways to The farmers were already on The team of experts led by C V control the disease since all farmers the job and the effect of the Rama Rao, coordinator, District in an area have to take the measures could be seen only when Agricultural Advisory and Transfer measures simultaneously as fresh leaves start sprouting after the of Technology Centre (DAATTC), individual efforts would not be of caterpillar was killed, Mr. Ankapalle, of the NG Ranga any use since the black-headed Prabhakara Rao said. Agriculture University, M Srinivas, caterpillar would spread from one a scientist with the same institute, tree to another and one area to Campaign through television and and Radhakrishna of the another. oral publicity was first done by a horticultural department, found that scientist of District Agriculture Horticultural officers are visiting 4% of the total number of trees Advisory Committee C.V. Rama every village to explain the control were badly affected and that the Rao after he noticed the problem measures. A pamphlet was also pest could be dealt with before all in the coconut groves in January. being brought out on control the 60,000 trees in the 500 hectares measures. The farmers were being (Source: The Hindu) are damaged. “Only about 2,400- told to take up root-feeding method,

Indian Coconut Journal 38 May 2013 Pest & Disease

Tiptur coconut ravaged by pests and diseases The mere mention of the name of Tiptur conjures up the images of An expert team from Coconut Development Board headed by Director will vast coconut plantation and of the be visiting the affected areas shortly and will prepare a preliminary report sweet tender coconuts. No doubt, on the infestation. Tiptur coconut is famous across the country for its big size, thick pulp and sweet water. However, this year, the coconut plantation in the taluk has been ravaged by pests and diseases. The trees have been ravaged by pests like mites (nusi in Kannada), red palm weevil (Kempu Muti Hula), Black-headed Caterpillar (Kappu Tale Hula) and by stem bleeding disease. Coconut trees affected by wilting and devoid of leaves have become a common sight in the taluk. This is the first time in the history who had newly raised the tree and However, this time even that of the taluk, which is known as hoped to see the flowers (hombale). option is not there as one as to dig Kalpataru Nadu (land of bounty) However, the trees are dying even more than 600 feet to get water and due to the sheer number of coconut before flowering. even that is not confirmed. trees, that the plantation in many According to Agriculture The coconut trees in Halkurike, fields are totally destroyed. Department, 25 percent of the Honnavalli, Gunguramale, The farmers of the region who coconut yield has been destroyed. Mallenahalli, Shivara, traditionally cultivated coconuts, But it is estimated that the yield will Bennayakanahalli and reaped huge profits from the crops. go down by 60 percent as many Byranayakanahalli in the taluk have So much so that even rain or no rain trees are very weak. been severely affected. didn't affect their prospects much. However, in reality the situation The trees in Belagarahalli, which However, today the hapless farmers is said to be even worse with were infested by Black headed are forced to see the destruction of farmers silently suffering the loss. Caterpillar, have lost all the leaves their plantations, they once and also new shoots and have ended cherished so much. Apart from the pests and diseases, the successive droughts up looking like sticks needled to the According to an estimate coupled with rapid decline in ground. coconut is cultivated in as much as groundwater and scorching heat It is said that even if it rained 25000 hectares and there are three have also contributed to the well this season, the trees may take lakh trees. Nearly, 30 percent of withering of the trees. more than three to four years to these trees are reportedly dead. Due to the drought, the reach the fruit-bearing stage again. As much as 60 percent of the groundwater had depleted severely It is also said that reviving trees are affected by wilting and in the taluk. During summer, the groundwater might be the only way many stand out like sticks stuck in farmers sunk bore wells and to save coconut plantation in the the ground after losing all the leaves. harnessed the water through motor taluk. The worst affected are the farmers, pump to cultivate the crops. (Source: Deccan Herald)

Indian Coconut Journal May 2013 39 News

Karnataka farmers visited Coconut Development Board In order to create awareness on Growers Association Karnataka level awareness programme on various schemes implemented by had interaction with Shri. T K Jose TMoC in the district. Many of the CDB in Karnataka and to have a IAS, Chairman and officers of farmers who were already into first hand information on the Coconut Development Board. processing of different coconut different value added products and Shri. T K Jose IAS spoke on the products shared their experience. processing techniques of coconut Dr. Remany Gopalakrishnan,

Karnataka farmers in the meeting at CDB and assistance provided by CDB, a importance of formation of CPS, Deputy Director, CDB and Smt. team of 45 coconut farmers from CPF and PC in the state of Mridula. K., Technical Officer, different parts of Turuvekere taluk Karnataka. Chairman assured full CDB spoke during the occasion. of Tumkur district visited Coconut support from CDB in providing The team also visited CPCRI th Development Board, Kochi on 17 training in value addition of coconut Kasaragod, coconut seed gardens, May 2013. The team led by Shri products and in organizing district coconut processing centers etc. Siddabasappa, Convener Coconut Farm Review Meeting held 2nd Farm review meeting of CDB was held on 23rd and 24th May 2013 at Coconut Development Board, Kochi. Shri. T K Jose IAS, Chairman, CDB in his introductory remarks emphasized the importance of producing quality coconut seedlings. Except the DSP farms of the Board, very few government agencies are producing Shri. T K Jose IAS, Chairman, CDB addressing the Farm Managers. quality coconut seedlings and hence Shri. Sugata Ghose, CCDO and Dr. A.K. Nandi, Secretary are seen the seedlings of CDB are in great demand. Since states like in all these states. Shri. Sugata Indicators for 2013-14 was finalized Maharastra, Tamil Nadu, West Ghose, CCDO spoke on Changes by the meeting. It was decided that Bengal and Tripura are potential in concept and outlook of DSP nursery programme will be areas for coconut cultivation, Board Farms. The activities of the Frams continued during the next year also is planning to establish DSP farms were reviewed and the Annual and a production target of 1.5 million Action Plan and Performance seedlings was fixed.

Indian Coconut Journal 40 May 2013 News

Symposium on Neera held Tapping neera and making value added products out of it is the best alternative to save the coconut farmers now who are reeling under severe price crash of coconut, said Shri. T.K. Jose IAS, Chairman, Coconut Development Board in his introductory remarks in the Symposium on Neera held at Kochi on 27th April 2013. Even though the technology is available in Kerala for processing neera, neera tapping is not permitted in Kerala. He requested that CPSs shall be Shri. T.K. Jose IAS, Chairman, CDB delivering the introductory remarks accorded permission to tap neera. Sabha, Shri. C M Ahmed Bava, occasion, Shri. Sugata Ghose, Dr. V K Raju, Kerala University Representative, Karshaka Sangam, CCDO, Coconut Development spoke on the technology and Shri. Babu Joseph, Member Neera Board delivered the welcome economics of neera. Shri. Gopi Committee, Smt. Deepthi Nair, address and Dr. Remany Kottamurikkal, State Treasurer, Marketing Officer, CDB and Shri. Gopalakrishnan, Deputy Director, Karshaka Sangam, Adv. Chitra K S Sebastian, Assistant Marketing Coconut Development Board Bhanu, Representative, Kissan Officer CDB spoke during the proposed a vote of thanks. Expert Committee for revitalizing the Regional Commodity Exchanges visited CDB

Shri. T K Jose IAS, Chairman, CDB in discussion with the expert committee.

The Expert Committee for Distribution visited Coconut future trading in coconut oil and revitalizing the Regional Development Board on 24th May copra. Prof.Gopal Naik, Professor Commodity Exchanges constituted 2013. The Committee held of Economics and Social Sciences, by the Department of Consumer discussion with Shri. T K Jose IAS, IIM Bangalore is the Chairman of Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Chairman, CDB on views and the Committee. Affairs, Food and Public suggestions of CDB regarding

Indian Coconut Journal May 2013 41 News

Meeting of the leaders of Thrissur District CPF held

Shri. T K Jose IAS, Chairman, CDB addressing Federation leaders of Thrissur district A meeting of the leaders of CDB spoke on the concept of Asst. Marketing Officer delivered Coconut Producers Federation from Farmers Producers Organization the welcome address and Shri. Thrissur district was held on 23rd (FPO)/Coconut Producers Sasikumar C, Technical Officer, May 2013 to discuss the progress Company (CPC) and the vision of spoke on the status and achievement and formation of Coconut Producers CDB. He has also spoke on how to of CPFs in Thrissur District. A Company in Thrissur District. 30 avail subsidy from Small Farmers preliminary meeting to discuss the leaders from 16 CPFs from various Agri Business Consortium and state formation of Producer Company is Panchayaths attended the meeting. government for the Producer scheduled on 10th June 2013 at Shri. T.K. Jose, IAS, Chairman, Company. Shri. K.S. Sebastian, Kodungallur Taluk in Thrissur District. Kozhikode district Coconut Producers Federation leaders workshop held

Shri. T K Jose IAS, Chairman, CDB and Prof. G. Balachandran, Chairman, Coir Board in discussion with Federation leaders One day Coconut Producers on the potentials of Producer CPF attended the meeting. Federation leaders Workshop from Company. Prof. G. Balachandran, Shri.K.S. Sebastian, Asst. Kozhikode District was held on 30th Chairman, Coir Board and Marketing Officer delivered the April 2013 at Kerabhavan, Kochi. Shri.Kumaraswamy Pillai, OS(D), welcome address and Smt. Mridula Shri.T.K. Jose IAS, Chairman, Coir Board spoke during the K, Technical Officer, CDB Coconut Development Board spoke occasion. 25 representatives of 14 proposed a vote of thanks.

Indian Coconut Journal 42 May 2013 NewsNews

Fruit Festival-2013 Coconut Development Board, State Centre, Pitapally participated in 2nd State Level Fruit Festival- 2013 organised by Directorate of Horticulture & Horticulture Development Society from 19th to 22nd May 2013 at Adivasi Ground, Bhubaneswar. Shri Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister, Odisha inaugurated the festival. Dr. Prasanna Kumar Patsani, Member of Parliament, Khurda, Mr. Rangalal Jamuda, IAS, Principal Secretary to Govt. of Odisha, Dept of Agriculture, Shri Debi Prasad Stall of Coconut Development Board in the Fruit Festival 2013 Mishra, Minister of Agriculture, Board displayed various value powder, activated carbon, Fisheries & Animal Resources added products like virgin coconut handicraft items etc. Different Development and Dr. Sanjeev oil, VC capsule, desiccated informative posters on various Kumar Chadha, IFS, Director. coconut, , , aspects of coconut and its products Directorate of Horticulture, Odisha squash, coconut oil, coconut milk were also exhibited during the were present during the occasion. programme. FoCT and CPS programme spreading across India The FoCT and CPS programme initiated by the Board in the state of Kerala is taking root across the country now. Friends of coconut Tree Programme is conducted in eight states now and 13,377 people are trained by the Board so far. The formation of CPS and CPF is also picking up in the major coconut growing southern states. So far 3,536 CPSs and 125 CPFs are formed in the country. FOCTs trained across India A meeting of Chamundeshwari CPF at Kadakola, Karnataka Lakshadweep 101 Progress of Coconut Producers' Society and Federation Maharashtra 256 CPS CPF CPS in CPF in CPC Karnataka 406 register register States formation formation registe Odisha 40 ed with ed with process process red Chhatisgarh 17 CDB CDB

Goa 60 Kerala 3013 2282 106 2 Tamil Nadu 1,196 Tamil Nadu 199 47 9 0 0

Andhra Pradesh 80 Karnataka 105 1 35 19 0 Kerala 11,221 219 1 0 0 Total 13,377 Total 3536 2331 44 125 2

Indian Coconut Journal May 2013 43 News

Krishi Fair 2013 Coconut Development Board, State Centre participated in 3rd Krishi Fair 2013 organised by Shree Shrikshetra Soochana, from 19th to 23rd May 2013 at Puri. Dr. S. C. Jamir, Hon’ble Governer of Odisha inaugurated the fair. Sri Brajakishore Tripathy, former Union Minister and Shri Naba Kumar Nayak, Collector, Puri were the guests of honour. Dr. S. C. Jamir Governor of Odisha visited all the A view of the Board’s stall in Krishi Fair 2013 stalls. Board exhibited value added powder, other handicraft items, coconut, coconut milk, coconut jam, products of coconut like virgin photographs on various activities squash, coconut oil, coconut milk coconut oil, VC capsule, desiccated and achievements of the Board. Business Opportunities SPA, VCO AND VCO-BASED PRODUCTS: VCO AND VCO-BASED PRODUCTS Virgin coconut oil (VCO) made in Java Indonesia. Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) made in Indonesia by VCO based products such as body scrub cream, centrifugal process is available for domestic and massage cream, massage oil aromatherapy, soap, international market. Other VCO based products such shampoo and hair conditioner. Interested parties may as herbal scent body soap, hand body lotion, coco-spa directly contact: body scrub and sprayed flu care are also available. Mrs.Yayi Interested parties may directly contact SME producer: Marketing Manager Mr. Wisnu Gardjito Cocona Spa CEO Sumber Rejeki Ltd PT. Trimatari Bio Persada Recovery Permata Duta E3 No. 17, Sukmajaya, Depok Jl. RS. Fatmawati 39, IEC West Java, Indonesia 16415 Jakarta 12430, Indonesia Email:[email protected] Email: [email protected] Mobile: 62-818802921 Mobile: 62-81380394653 Website: www.thegreencocoisland.net Tel: 62-21-75906715, 75906505 Source: Cocommunity, May 2013 Fax: 62-21-75906604 RAW COCONUT SHELLS Website: http://cocona-vco.id.88db.com Raw hard coconut shells in any desired quantity ACTIVATED CARBON AND COCONUT and safe packaging obtained from best quality natural CHARCOAL BRIQUETTE coconuts for making shell charcoal, shell based Ready stock/supply capacity: 40 tons a month. activated carbon, shell powder and application for Offered selling price: USD 340 per ton FOB Makassar, chemical industry is available for sale. Interested Indonesia. Warehouse and factory open for visit or parties may directly contact: survey. For further details contact: Selva, Sekhar Export and Import Logistics Mr. Jadmiko S R Stone, 50 A Avudaiyalpura Keela Street, PT. Asmir Agro Prima Indinthakarai Post, Thirunelveli District Jl. Insinyur Sutami No. 3, Makasar Tamilnadu -627 104 Mobile: +62-82190659999 Phone: 0091 9629111747/00919941659680 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Indian Coconut Journal 44 May 2013 Management

Monthly operations in coconut gardens June

Andaman & Nicobar Islands : affected palm with 5 ml calixin in twice at 20 to 25 days interval Open basins around palms of a 100 ml water per palm at quarterly against the attack of termites. Apply radius of 2m from the base of the intervals (3) apply 5 kg neem cake 2 kg bone meal or single palm. Apply 25 to 50 kg of cattle per palm per year along with the superphosphate in the pit before manure or compost and 10-20 kg organic manure during the post planting. Open the basins around of ash per tree and cover the basins monsoon period (4) regulate field the palm of a radius of 2m upto a with soil. Remove the weeds in the regime by providing proper drainage depth of 15-20 cm, and apply nursery. during rains and irrigating the palms manures and fertilizers and cover during summer. If bud rot disease with soil. During this month apply Andhra Pradesh: Continue is noticed, remove and clean the 30-50 kg farmyard manure/ manure application if not done infected tissues and apply Bordeaux compost per palm in the basin during June. Plant seedlings in the paste on the affected portion. The before the application of fertilizers. main field. As a prophylactic treated portion should be given a In irrigated and well maintained measure against the infestation of protective covering to prevent gardens apply the fertilizers @ 275g rhinoceros beetle, fill the youngest washing out of the paste during of urea, 500g single super phosphate three leaf axils with a mixture of rains. Spray the neighbouring plants and 500g muriate of potash. In rain 250g powdered marotti/ neem cake with 1 percent bordeaux mixture. fed gardens apply the first dose (1/ with equal volume of sand or place Adopt plant protection measurers 3 of the recommended dose) of naphthalene balls (12g/palm) and when the weather is clear. Remove fertilizers i.e. 250g urea, 350g single cover them with sand thrice a year. the weeds from the nursery. superphosphate and 400 g muriate If the attack of the mite is noticed, of potash, per adult palm and cover Bihar / Madhya Pradesh/ spray neem oil - garlic – soap with soil. The gaps caused by the Chhattisgarh : Provide proper emulsion 2 percent (20 ml neem oil death of seedlings (previous year’s drainage; do not allow rain water +20 g garlic emulsion + 5 g soap in planting) should be filled up, to accumulate for a long time in the 1litre water) or commercial preferably with polybag seedlings. pits. Transplant selected good botanical pesticides containing Similarly, remove all unhealthy and quality seedlings in the already azadirachtin 0.004 per cent @ 4ml defective seedlings and replant with prepared and half filled pits. Drench per litre on bunches, especially on healthy seedlings. Check the palms the basins of transplanted seedlings the perianth region of buttons and for bud rot. If bud rot is found, with 0.05 percent chlorpyriphos affected nuts or root feed neem remove the affected parts and apply formulations containing azadirachtin bordeaux paste. Spray the 5 per cent @ 7.5 ml with equal neighbouring palms/ seedlings with quantity of water. 1 per cent bordeaux mixture. Assam: Do not allow rain water to Karnataka : Open circular basins accumulate in the pits of around the palm, of a radius of 2m. transplanted seedlings. Clean the Take appropriate control measures crowns of the palms. If stem if attacks of rhinoceros beetle and bleeding disease is noticed, (1) red palm weevil are noticed. Keep remove the affected tissues of the the garden free of weeds. Give a stem and apply 5 percent calixin on prophylactic spray with 1 per cent the wound. When this is dry apply bordeaux mixture if not given during warm coal tar (2) root feed the Grub of Cockchafer beetle

Indian Coconut Journal May 2013 45 Management the last month. Seedlings can be bordeaux mixture may be given the youngest three leaf axils with a planted during this month. If the against fungal diseases. mixture of 250g powdered marotti/ attack of the mite is noticed, spray neem cake with equal volume of Orissa: As a prophylactic measure neem oil - garlic – soap emulsion 2 sand or place naphthalene balls against the infestation of rhinoceros percent (20 ml neem oil + 20g garlic (12g/ palm) and cover them with beetle, fill the youngest three leaf emulsion + 5g soap in 1 litre water) sand thrice a year. Planting of axils with a mixture of 250g or commercial botanical pesticides seedlings in the main field can be powdered marotti/ neem cake with containing azadirachtin 0.004 per done during this month. Search equal volume of sand or place cent @ 4ml per litre on bunches, palms affected by Thanjavur wilt naphthalene balls(12g/palm) and especially on the perianth region of and take appropriate management cover them with sand thrice a year. buttons and affected nuts or root practices. If the attack of the mite Hook out the rhinoceros beetles. feed neem formulations containing is noticed, spray neem oil - garlic – Manure vegetables and other azadirachtin 5 per cent @ 7.5 ml soap emulsion 2 percent (20 ml crops. Give a prophylactic spray with equal quantity of water. neem oil + 20g garlic emulsion + 5g with 1 per cent bordeaux mixture soap in 1 litre water) or commercial Kerala/Lakshadweep: Open against fungal diseases. botanical pesticides containing basins around the palms, of a radius azadirachtin 0.004 per cent @ 4ml of 2 m and fill them with green per litre on bunches, especially on manure cuttings or green leaves @ the perianth region of buttons and 25kg per palm or bulky organic affected nuts or root feed neem manures like cowdung, compost, formulations containing azadirachtin etc.@ 50kg per adult palm and 5 per cent @ 7.5 ml with equal close the basins partially, if not done quantity of water. in June. Clean the pits in which seedlings have been planted. Search Tripura: Basin around the palm the crowns of trees for rhinoceros should be cleaned by removing the beetle, red weeds. Green manure crops sown in May if any, should be ploughed palm weevil and also for bud rot and incorporated during the month. disease. Take steps to check them. As a prophylactic measure against Clean the crown of the palm. If the the infestation of rhinoceros beetle, attack of the mite is noticed, spray Bud rot affected palm fill the youngest three leaf axils with neem oil – garlic – soap emulsion 2 a mixture of 250g powdered percent (20 ml neem oil + 20g garlic Tamil Nadu/ Puducherry: Open marotti/ neem cake with equal emulsion + 5g soap in 1 litre water) basins around the palms. Keep the volume of sand or place or commercial botanical pesticides garden free of weeds. Give the naphthalene balls (12g/ palm) and containing azadirachtin 0.004 per palms a prophylactic spray with one cover them with sand thrice a year. cent @ 4ml per litre on bunches, per cent bordeaux mixture to Collected seed nuts may be sown especially on the perianth region of prevent bud rot and other fungal in seed beds without delay by buttons and affected nuts or root diseases. Apply the first dose of taking advantage of the rain. feed neem formulations containing fertilizers i.e. 300g urea, 500g single azadirachtin 5 per cent @ 7.5 ml superphosphate and 500 g muriate : Apply green with equal quantity of water. of potash per adult palm if not manure at the rate of 25 kg per Remove the weeds from the applied during last month. Search palm. Keep the garden free of nursery. for rhinoceros beetle on the crowns weeds. Start planting of seedlings of the palms with the beetle hook in the main field. A prophylactic Maharashtra/ Goa/ Gujarat: and kill the beetles. As a spray of 1 percent bordeaux mixture Bury husk in trenches between prophylactic measure against the against fungal diseases may be palms with concave side up. A infestation of rhinoceros beetle, fill given. prophylactic spray with 1 per cent

Indian Coconut Journal 46 May 2013 Market Review

Market Review - April 2013 Deepthi Nair S. Marketing Officer, CDB, Kochi Highlights Rajapur copra at Kozhikode market ! The monthly average price of milling copra and coconut oil expressed was Rs.4673/- per quintal, which a slight increase over the previous month though a downward trend was marginally lower compared to was noticed during April 2013 at all the major markets. the price of the previous month. The monthly average prices of ! The international price of coconut oil expressed a downward trend ball copra at Kozhikode market during the month under report. averaged at Rs.4223/- per quintal. The month of April witnessed a price was Rs. 6323/- per quintal at The monthly prices of ball copra downward trend in the prices of Alappuzha market and Rs.6633/- at at APMC market Tiptur, in copra and coconut oil at all Kozhikode market. Karnataka averaged at Rs. 4634/- important markets in Kerala. The MILLING COPRA per quintal in April 2013 while it was price of coconut at Nedumangad The monthly average prices of Rs 4870/- in Bangalore and Rs. market remained steady through out FAQ copra recorded at Kochi 4634/- in Arsikere. the month. market was Rs.4453/- per quintal. The Minimum Support Price of COCONUT OIL The monthly average prices of Rasi edible copra has been fixed at Rs. The price of coconut oil quoted copra at Alappuzha market was 5500/- per quintal for 2013 season. at all the major marketing centres Rs.4467/- and at Kozhikode market DRY COCONUT in the country expressed a was Rs.4460/- per quintal. The downward trend during the month prices at Kochi, Alappuzha and The monthly average price of of April 2013, but the monthly Kozhikode were marginally higher dry coconut was around Rs.4231/- average price in April 2013 in than that of the previous month. per thousand nuts at Kozhikode Kochi, Alappuzha and Kozhikode The Minimum Support Price of market which was about 6 percent markets were marginally higher milling copra has been fixed at Rs. higher than that of the previous than the price of March 2013. 5250/- per quintal for 2013 season. month. The monthly average price of The monthly average prices of COCONUT coconut oil at Kochi was Rs. 6352/ milling copra at Ambajipeta market The monthly average price of - per quintal. The price of coconut in Andhra Predesh was Rs.4220/- Rs.7210/- per thousand nuts for oil at Alappuzha market also moved per quintal. dehusked coconut at Nedumangad in tune with the price behavior of EDIBLE COPRA market was marginally higher than Kochi market. The monthly average that of the previous month. The monthly average prices of 6800 4600

6700 4500 4500 4504 4483 4469 4460 44674463 4463 6650 6650 6650 6650 4446 4446 4450 443844334429 6600 4400

6567

6500 4300 4300 4300

6450 6450 Rs./Qtl. 6400 6400 4200 4200 4200

6325 6300 6300 4100 4100 6300 6292 6283 6275

6200 4000 6-4-13 13-4-13 20-4-13 27-4-13 30-4-13 6-4-13 13-4-13 20-4-13 27-4-13 30-4-13 Date

Kochi Alappuzha Kozhikode Kochi Alappuzha Kozhikode Ambajipeta Price behaviour of coconut oil during April 2013 Price behaviour of milling copra during April 2013

Indian Coconut Journal May 2013 47 Market Review

Monthly average prices of mature nut, tender nut and ball copra from Rs.20 to 25/- per nut. The in North Eastern Region during April 2013 monthly average price of tender Mature nuts Tender Nuts Ball Copra coconut at Guwahati in Assam was Products (in Rs./ nut) (in Rs./ nut) (in Rs./ Kg.) Rs.25/- per nut while it was Rs.50 ASSAM at Aizawl in Mizoram and Rs. 20/- Guwahati 40 25 85 at Agartala in Tripura. Nelbari 36 15 170 INTERNATIONAL PRICE Nagoan NA. NA NA Sonitpur 34 18 NA The monthly average price of US $800 per MT for coconut oil in Darrang 47 23 130 Europe (C.I.F. Rotterdam) for the Karimganj 25 20 95 month of April 2013 was marginally Silchar 24 25 NA lower when compared with the NAGALAND price of the previous month and Dimapur 31 19 110 lower by about 41 percent MIZORAM compared to that of the Aizawl 50 50 NA corresponding month last year. The TRIPURA monthly average price of US$528 Agarthala 25 20 98 per MT for copra was about 6 Arsikere APMC market market slid to Rs.9300/- per percent lower than that of the recorded an average of Rs.6528/- thousand nuts which was about 15 previous month and about 61 for thousand partially dehusked nuts percent lower than that of the percent lower than that of the which was about 5 percent higher previous month. corresponding month last year. than that of previous month. The monthly average price of The domestic price of The monthly average price of coconut was Rs.34/- at Sonitpur coconut oil during the month of partially dehusked coconut at and Rs.40/- at Guwahati in Assam, April 2013 in Philippines was Bangalore APMC market was Rs. while it was Rs.50/- at Aizawl in US$792 per MT and in Indonesia; 7083/- which was about 8 percent Mizoram and Rs. 25/- at Agartala the price was US$806 per MT. The lower than that of previous month. in Tripua. international price of Palm oil, Palm The monthly average price of TENDER COCONUT kernel oil (RBD) and Soybean oil were US$843, US$828 and partially dehusked coconut Grade- The retail price of tender US$1101 per MT respectively. 1 quality at Mangalore APMC coconut at Kochi market ranged Market Price Coconut Oil Milling Copra Edible Ball Copra Dry Coconut Partially dehusked Copra coconut coconut Rs. / Qtl. Rs. / 1000 nuts Date Kochi Alappu- Kozhi- Kochi Alappu Kozhi- Karkala Kozhi- Kozhi- Tiptur Bang- Arsi- Kozhi- Nedum- Arsi- Bang- Mang- zha kode (FAQ) zha kode kode kode lore kere kode angad kere lore alore (Rasi (Grade -1) Copra) 6-4-13 6450 6325 6567 4460 4483 4500 4300 4667 4213 4600 5000 4592 4217 7200 6500 7250 11000 13-4-13 6450 6400 6650 4469 4504 4446 4100 4700 4200 4633 4900 4627 4220 7250 6917 7167 8667 20-4-13 6300 6300 6650 4429 4433 4438 4200 4708 4250 4654 4850 4698 4250 7200 6042 7000 9000 27-4-13 6283 6292 6650 4446 4463 4467 4300 4642 4250 4683 4800 4680 4217 7200 6433 7000 8833 30-4-13 6275 6300 6650 4463 4450 4450 4200 4650 4200 4600 4800 4575 4250 7200 6750 7000 9000 Average 6352 6323 6633 4453 4467 4460 4220 4673 4223 4634 4870 4634 4231 7210 6528 7083 9300

Source: Kochi: Cochin Oil Merchants Association and Chamber of Commerce, Kochi - 2, Kozhikode: The Mathrubhumi daily Alapuzha: The Malayala Manorama daily, Arsikere : APMC, Arsikere Price quoted for office pass copra at Kozhikode and Rasi copra at Alappuzha markets.

Indian Coconut Journal 48 May 2013