Coco-huts on highways to offer a branded market for coconut products

With a view to popularise and boost sales of coconut products, the district administration has decided to set up ‘Coco-huts’ on State and National highways.

With lakhs of devotees expected to attend the Mahamasthakabhisheka at Shravanabelagola in February 2018, the initiative may benefit growers. The objective of the district administration is to provide a wider market for coconut products. Hence, ‘Coco-huts’ similar to ‘Cafe Coffee Day’ are being planned on highways to attract people.

The project is being planned in association with the Coconut Development Board, Tourism department and other departments. Deputy Commissioner Rohini Sindhuri told DH that there is great demand for tender coconuts and copras grown in Arsikere and Channarayapatna taluks. Coco-huts would be set up on the Bengaluru-Mangaluru national highway near Hirisave on an experimental basis, she said.

The DC explained that the shops would be built of coir and coconut fronds, measuring 30x40 feet dimension. Priority will be given for sales of tender coconuts and it would be scientifically processed and packed. Necessary technical help would be provided from the departments concerned.

“Tender coconuts are healthy. As there is no proper marketing strategy and branding, the farmers are not getting a good price. Hence, Coco-huts will be set up in Arsikere and Channarayapatna taluks to increase sales. Later, steps will be taken to sell coconuts, copra and coir products directly to the consumers,” Sindhuri said.

Mahamasthakabhisheka Mahotsava Special Officer Varaprasad Reddy said that the Coir Board is designing the Coco-huts. The estimated cost of a shop is Rs 2.5 lakh and the Coconut Development Board has been requested to provide the funds. If everything goes well, the project would be implemented within two months, he said.