The Coconut Development Board (CDB) has been instrumental in empowering coconut farmer cooperatives in India, driving significant export growth and enhancing the livelihoods of countless farmers. By fostering the formation of Coconut Producer Societies (CPS), Federations, and Companies, the CDB has created a robust framework that enables farmers to collectively improve productivity, reduce costs, and access international markets more effectively.

Formation of Coconut Producer Societies (CPS)

The CDB initiated the establishment of CPS by bringing together 40 to 100 coconut growers within contiguous areas, managing a consolidated minimum of 4,000 to 5,000 palms. The primary objective of these societies is the socio-economic upliftment of farmers through:

• Productivity Improvement: Implementing best agricultural practices to increase yield.
• Cost Reduction: Pooling resources to purchase inputs in bulk, thereby reducing expenses.
• Efficient Collective Marketing: Aggregating produce to meet market demands and negotiate better prices.
• Processing and Product Diversification: Adding value through processing and exploring diverse product lines.

This collective approach not only enhances the bargaining power of farmers but also ensures a consistent supply of quality produce, which is crucial for establishing a foothold in export markets.

Financial Assistance and Support Programs

To further bolster the capabilities of these cooperatives, the CDB offers various financial assistance schemes:

• Expansion of Area under Coconut: Financial assistance ranging from ₹6,500 to ₹15,000 per hectare is provided, depending on the variety and location, to encourage the planting of coconut seedlings in new areas. This subsidy is available for up to 4 hectares per beneficiary, disbursed in two equal annual installments.
• Establishment of Regional Coconut Nurseries: In non-traditional areas, the CDB provides 50% of the cost of production to establish regional coconut nurseries, ensuring the availability of quality planting material.
• Aid for Nuclear Seed Gardens: Financial assistance up to ₹6 lakh is extended to private sectors, registered cooperative societies, and farmers’ associations to establish nuclear seed gardens, promoting the production of quality planting materials.

These initiatives are designed to increase production potential, ensure the availability of quality planting materials, and promote the adoption of improved cultivation practices among cooperatives.

Role of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Cooperatives in Scaling Exports

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and cooperatives play a pivotal role in enhancing the export potential of agricultural produce:

• Market Access: By organizing farmers into cooperatives, small-scale producers can access larger markets that would be unattainable individually. This collective approach opens avenues for international trade and export opportunities.
• Economies of Scale: Cooperatives enable farmers to pool resources, reduce transaction costs, and achieve economies of scale in production and marketing, making their products more competitive in the global market.
• Risk Management: Sharing resources and information within cooperatives helps in mitigating risks associated with farming and market fluctuations, providing a safety net for small-scale producers.
• Quality Control and Certification: Collective efforts in maintaining quality standards and obtaining necessary certifications make it easier for cooperatives to meet international export requirements.

For instance, the Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union in Ethiopia successfully enhanced its export capacity by organizing small-scale coffee farmers into a cooperative structure, leading to improved market access and better pricing.

Impact on Export Growth

The concerted efforts of the CDB in promoting cooperatives have yielded significant results:

• Increased Export Volume: The collective marketing strategies adopted by cooperatives have led to a substantial increase in the volume of coconut products exported from India.
• Diversification of Export Products: Cooperatives have ventured into processing and value addition, resulting in a diversified range of coconut products catering to international markets.
• Improved Farmer Incomes: By accessing better markets and obtaining fair prices for their produce, farmers’ incomes have seen a notable rise, contributing to their overall socio-economic development.

Altus Exports: Partnering with Indian Manufacturers for Global Success

While the CDB and cooperatives have laid a strong foundation for export growth, partnering with experienced export facilitators can further enhance market reach and efficiency. Altus Exports specializes in assisting Indian manufacturers in exporting their products to global markets.

How Altus Exports Can Assist:

• Expertise in Finding Buyers: Altus Exports excels in identifying potential buyers across various international markets, leveraging a deep understanding of market trends and buyer behavior.
• Access to Comprehensive Databases: With subscriptions to numerous databases and information sources, Altus Exports provides up-to-date market intelligence, identifying new opportunities and understanding market dynamics.
• Skilled Marketing Team: A highly trained marketing team promotes products in the international market using a blend of traditional and digital marketing techniques to generate leads and convert them into orders.
• Extensive Network: Over the years, Altus Exports has built a vast network of contacts and partners across various industries and regions, facilitating smoother market entry and quicker establishment of products in new territories.

Partnering with Altus Exports:

Altus Exports seeks to form strategic alliances with manufacturers who share a commitment to excellence and global expansion. Ideal partners possess:

• Export Quality Products: Manufacturers that produce high-caliber goods suitable for international markets, adhering to stringent quality standards.