Kannur: Bringing festive relief ahead of Onam, the Kerala government through Kerafed has announced a subsidised coconut oil scheme for BPL (Below Poverty Line) families, aiming to ease the burden of rising kitchen costs. Kerafed Chairman V. Chamunni confirmed that the move is awaiting final government approval, with subsidy rates to be announced soon.
In a twin effort to support both consumers and farmers, Kerafed will directly procure fresh coconuts from cultivators in Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, and Thrissur, extending the model successfully piloted in Kannur. The procurement will be carried out in collaboration with cooperative societies and ISAF (Indian Society for Agribusiness and Food).
To encourage farmers, Kerafed has decided to pay ₹1 more per kg than the market rate, offering financial incentives during the harvest season. To meet the soaring Onam demand, an order for 4,500 quintals of copra (dried coconuts) has already been placed.
Kerafed’s plant currently processes nearly 80,000 kg of copra daily, but concerns over raw material shortages have led to the launch of fresh coconut sourcing—a strategic move to ensure uninterrupted oil supply and price stability during the festive season.
The initiative is expected to significantly benefit low-income families and boost farmer earnings, underlining the state’s commitment to food security and agricultural sustainability during Kerala’s most celebrated festival.
