Joy abounds among coconut farmers across Andhra Pradesh, especially in districts like Krishna, East and West Godavari, and Konaseema, as they witness a remarkable surge in prices during the vibrant Dasara festivities. In local retail markets, a single coconut now commands a price of ₹40 to ₹50, while wholesale suppliers are offering farmers a healthy ₹18 to ₹22 per piece. Even coconut oil is seeing a significant boost, trading at approximately ₹450 per kilogram.
The festive spirit of Dasara inherently drives up the demand for coconuts, a sentiment echoed by devotees who noted that ‘traders near temples are readily selling each coconut for ₹45 to ₹50.’ This heightened activity is visible across the region, with laborers working diligently at various stock points in Krishna, Eluru, and other key districts, carefully dehusking the popular nuts.
Not just local sales, but the export market is also proving highly lucrative for traders, as they dispatch large quantities of coconuts to neighboring states. Ramakrishna, a trader from Eluru district, enthusiastically confirmed, ‘Andhra Pradesh coconuts are in high demand. We are preparing to send our stocks to states including Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.’
This current boom marks a significant improvement for farmers who previously struggled with meager earnings of just ₹6 to ₹8 per coconut. G. Ranga Rao, a farmer from Krishna district, shared his relief, stating, ‘With this surge in demand, we are now receiving ₹20 per coconut. This strong demand has been consistent for the past two months.’ Even the laborers, such as V. Adi Narayana, who can dehusk around 500 coconuts daily, are benefiting, earning a respectable ₹1 to ₹1.20 for each coconut processed.