KOCHI: For the first time in its history, the Coconut Development Board (CDB) will procure copra from Kerala and Tamil Nadu simultaneously. The decision comes as major relief for the coconut producers in the state as it will stop the inflow of the produce from Tamil Nadu to the state in search of better prices.The Coconut Development Board has assigned TANFED as the state-level marketing agency in Tamil Nadu to undertake copra procurement under Price Support Scheme (PSS) for 2012.According to the order issued by the Tamil Nadu Government through Food and Consumer Protection Department, TANFED will procure milling copra at a rate of Rs 5,100 a quintal and ball copra at Rs 5,350 per quintal.“The coconut producers in Kerala and Tamil Nadu will get equal price. This will stop the farmers coming to state seeking better prices for their produce,” CDB chairman T K Jose said.Rajeev Gupta, managing director of NAFED, the national-level nodal agency for Price Support Scheme (PSS) operations, visited headquarters of the Board and held discussions on procurement operations during the 2012 season with CDB chairman T K Jose and senior officers of the Board.He assured all support from the NAFED for the procurement under the minimum price support, CDB officials said.Earlier this month, a Minimum Support Price(MSP) for procurement of copra under Price Support Scheme was set by the Central Government for the 2012 season. The Registrar of the Cooperative Societies has been directed TANFED to start procuring copra in Tamil Nadu immediately, which will allow the producers in the state to get competitive prices for their produce.The CDB recognised Coconut Producers Societies, Farmers Cluster of Agricultural Department, Kudumbasree and Janasree units having adequate infrastructure for drying coconuts have also been permitted to procure raw coconut.
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