Value-added coconut products will soon be available to a wide section of consumers through the marketing network offered by the country?s largest farmers? cooperative National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (Nafed).
State-run Coconut Development Board (CDB) has teamed up with Nafed to sell coconut-based products. An agreement to this effect will be signed in a week or two, CV Ananda Bose, chairman, Nafed said.
Under the pact, Nafed would source products from around 100 small-scale processors in the coconut-growing states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, West Bengal, Maharashtra and the Union territories of Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Products like coconut milk, water, oil, vinegar, shell-based items and cakes have been identified by Nafed for selling under its brand, which will start in a month. CDB will ensure quality of the products.
Export markets in Gulf and Europe too will be tapped, the draft agreement said. Nafed and CDB will jointly promote raw coconut water in tetra packs or other suitable packaging in 100 specialised carts manned by uniformed personnel from women self-help group at prominent tourist destinations in the country, particularly in capital Delhi during the Commonwealth Games.
