High humidity good for coconut farming in Godavari river belt

HYDERABAD: The water supply from Kaleshwaram project into canals, reservoirs and other water bodies has raised the humidity levels in the districts along the Godavari river belt, making them favourable for coconut plantation.
The Central Plantation Crop Research Institute (CPCRI) has identified Peddapalli, Mancherial, Mulugu and Bhupalapally districts as favourable for coconut plantations which need over 60% relative humidity.
“Normally, the climate in Telangana is not favourable for growth of coconut plantation. Telangana gets over Rs 2,000 crore worth dry and tender coconuts every year and over 95% supplies come from Kerala and other coastal states,” horticulture department director L Venkatram Reddy told TOI.
Though coconut plantation has been taken up in over 1,100 acres producing nearly 70 lakh dry and tender coconuts in Khammam and Bhadradri districts, it is not sufficient to meet the market demand in the state.
Even the saplings that suit the Telangana climate and soil conditions will be supplied by CDB,” said horticulture deputy director MV Madhusudhan.
It takes three to four years for the saplings to grow and start bearing the nuts and from six to seven years for the tall variety of plants to bear nuts.
“The modalities are being worked out to offer discounts and incentives to farmers. We will soon come out with a comprehensive package to attract the farmers to take up coconut plantation as the profits are good in dry and tender coconut business,” an official said.