Kerala’s Kera Karshaka Sahakarana Federation Ltd. (KERAFED), a cooperative body for coconut farmers, is encountering difficulties in its plan to directly purchase coconuts from growers in the Thanjavur district. Farmers there are currently unwilling to sell their produce at prices that are below or merely matching the prevailing open market rates.
During a recent meeting in Thanjavur, arranged by Horticulture Department officials, local coconut cultivators expressed approval for KERAFED’s direct procurement strategy. They acknowledged and appreciated the federation’s efforts to disrupt the existing trader syndicate in both Kerala and Tamil Nadu. However, the farmers made it clear that they would only commit to direct sales if offered a price exceeding the current open market value. Otherwise, they indicated a preference to continue their established business relationships with traditional traders.