Shivraj Singh Chouhan holds post-Budget discussion with coconut farmers in Chennai
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a post-Budget discussion with coconut farmers, scientists and stakeholders in Chennai on 7 March 2026, stressing production, processing and intercropping.
Summary
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a post-Budget discussion with coconut farmers, scientists, experts and other stakeholders in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, on 7 March 2026. The Minister said nearly 1.25 crore farmers in India grow coconut and about 3 crore people depend on the sector. He noted that many plantations are nearly 60 years old, lowering yields, and that root wilt and whitefly are hurting production. He said the government would focus on new, better varieties, processing and intercropping to raise farmers' incomes.
Key facts
- Date and place
- 7 March 2026, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Farmers
- ~1.25 crore coconut growers; ~3 crore livelihoods
- Problems
- Plantations ~60 years old; root wilt; whitefly
- Focus
- New varieties, processing, intercropping
Practice MCQs 1 questions
According to Shivraj Singh Chouhan at a post-Budget meeting in Chennai on 7 March 2026, about how many farmers in India are associated with coconut cultivation?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1.25 crore
He said nearly 1.25 crore farmers grow coconut, while about 3 crore people depend on the sector for their livelihood.