The Kuttiada coconut variety is known for fruit size and quality, in addition to high yield and tree longevity. | Photo credit: File photo
‘Mission Kerasamrudhi’, an ambitious project launched by the Department of Land Use for the development of Kuttiada coconut, is set to get a shot in the arm in the form of collaboration with various government departments, especially tourism. The involvement of the Missionary Society of Responsible Tourism is expected to replicate the ‘Kumarakom model’ in Kuttiady, where anything associated with this elite variety of coconut palms and orchards would develop a bundle of tourism opportunities.
“Activities like coconut climbing, leaf plating and coir production could be an immersive experience for tourists visiting these groves. In addition, Kuttiad’s value-added coconut products would open up a global market,” said Yasmin L. Rasheed, state Land Use Commissioner. This department created the tagline “Kuttiady to the World” to link the project with tourism.
“The Kerasamrudhi project is not just about coconut and farmers but about the region as a whole. It includes crop development, area expansion, new technologies, GI Tag, patents, capacity building and community involvement. We will have a core group to expand processing techniques, come up with new coconut products and revitalized export strategies,” Ms Rasheed said. Kunnummal block, where this variety of coconut is predominantly grown, has a unique geography and microclimate, which should be considered in promoting this coconut as a tourist destination.
A coconut army has been created in the bloc to bridge the gaps in various sectors such as non-availability of coconut climbers, lack of technical know-how for farmer and producer organizations and production of value-added products.
“The Coconut Development Board is leading the process, financial and technological, to get the GI (geographical indication) tag for Kuttiada coconut. Meanwhile, Nabard has stepped in to provide credit linkages for the orchards. The framework of the project is ready. It can be implemented once we put the cooperation on paper,” said Ms. Rasheed.
Kunnummal block panchayat is the implementing agency of the project while the Land Use department coordinates it. The project may be operational from January 2026 and would take approximately eight years to complete.
Published – 03 Nov 2025 20:44 IST
