Karnataka emerges as India’s largest coconut producer, surpassing Kerala

In a significant agricultural milestone, Karnataka has become India's largest producer of coconuts, overtaking Kerala, which held the top position since 2016. According to data from the Coconut Development Board (CDB), Karnataka produced 595 crore coconuts in 2022-23, surpassing Kerala’s 563 crore. The trend continued into 2023-24, with Karnataka producing 726 crore coconuts in the first two quarters, while Tamil Nadu (578 crore) pushed Kerala (564 crore) to third place.

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Despite having less land under coconut cultivation than Kerala, Karnataka’s superior farming practices and the rise of ‘weekend agriculture’—where urban professionals maintain family farms—have fueled its dominance. The trend, popularized after 2018, has been particularly strong in Tumakuru, Hassan, and Mandya, which contribute over 80% of the state’s production. Experts credit scientific farming techniques, improved nutrition supply, and initiatives by CDB and agricultural institutes for Karnataka’s success.

Meanwhile, Kerala’s coconut production has declined due to the rise of tourism, which has diverted focus from farming. A similar pattern has been observed in the Andaman Islands, where tourism expansion has impacted coconut cultivation.

Karnataka has also taken the lead in ball copra production, accounting for 72.8% of India’s total output. While sugarcane cultivation is expanding in Mandya, small-scale farmers continue to boost Karnataka’s coconut industry, ensuring the state’s place at the top.