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'Kalpavriksha' under axe

With no support price, farmers eye for alternative crops
Last Updated 21 December 2012, 18:06 IST

Arsikere in the district is popularly known as ‘Kalpatharu nadu’ for its commercial crop coconut.

The rampant spread of pests like ‘Nusipede’, ‘benki roga’, lack of agricultural labourers, slump in prices of copra and coconut has made the farmers think twice about growing coconut trees.

Disappointed farmers are axing down coconut trees to get away from huge losses.
Coconut trees, which was a boon for farmers till recently, is now losing its lustre, for various reasons.

The coconut yield is decreasing year after year and the number of people growing coconuts too is reducing. With the state and Central governments not interested in fixing scientific support price, the lives of the ryots is turning miserable.

Alternative crops

They are now concentrating on alternative crops. The current drought has come as a blow to the farmers who are already under crisis.

The borewells are drying up due to failed moisture and with less moisture in the earth coconut trees are withering. With agricultural labour becoming expensive, farmers have deciding against growing coconuts in the taluk.

Statistics

As per the statistics available with the horticulture department, coconuts are grown on around 26,845 hectare land in the taluk and 120 to 124 trees per hectare are affected due to pests.

An astonishing 33 lakh trees are said to be affected in the taluk. The farmers who are unable to repay loans are felling trees and are showing interest in cultivating pomegranate.

Copra market

The copra market, which had crashed some years ago, gained momentum in 2007-08 and a quintal of copra was sold between Rs 7,500 and 8,200, bringing cheers among farmers.

But, it was shortlived. Now, prices of copra, coconuts and oil have crashed. M G Lokesh of D M Kurke said more produce and less demand is the reason for the crash in prices. It is better we grow crops that generate income, they said.

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(Published 21 December 2012, 18:06 IST)

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