The Kerala government will soon launch a coconut rejuvenation project aimed at increasing its production in the State, Agriculture Minister T. Siddique has said.

Speaking to mediapersons after visiting the Agricultural Urban Wholesale Market at Vengeri here on Monday (August 10, 2026), the Minister said Kerala had the largest area under coconut cultivation in the country but recorded one of the lowest levels of productivity.

“To address the low productivity, high-yielding coconut seedlings will be distributed to farmers. Preliminary discussions on the coconut rejuvenation project will be held on Farmers’ Day (August 17),” Mr. Siddique said.

Vegetable markets

The Minister said the Agriculture department had already initiated steps to set up 2,000 vegetable markets across Kerala in connection with the Onam season. Measures were also being taken to prevent a hike in vegetable prices during the festival season, he said.

“A permanent organic vegetable market will be established at the Vengeri market. The market will also be developed as a major hub for coconut-related activities. The waste management system at the market will be expanded. The market premises will not be allowed to be used for purposes unrelated to agriculture,” the Minister said.

Mr. Siddique said unused land in and around the market would be brought under cultivation. “A high-level meeting will be convened in Thiruvananthapuram soon after the reports sought in connection with the Vengeri market are received,” the Minister added.

K. Jayanth, MLA, and others accompanied the Minister during the visit.

Published - August 10, 2026 04:32 pm IST