Lok Sabha Question No. 614 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-03
Subject: Climate and Disaster Resilient Coconut Cultivation
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri G M Harish Balayogi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE & FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 614

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 3 RD  February, 2026

## CLIMATE AND DISASTER RESILIENT COCONUT CULTIVATION 614. SHRI G M HARISH BALAYOGI:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण मंũी be pleased to state: (a) the details of the initiatives undertaken by the Government on climate and disaster resilience in coconut cultivation in Andhra Pradesh during last three years, district-wise especially Konaseema; (b)  whether  the  Government  has  assessed  the  impact  of  recurring  cyclones,  coastal flooding and salinity on coconut yield and productivity in Konaseema district, if so, findings thereof; (c) whether the Government has identified/designated any climate-resilient/high-yielding coconut varieties suitable for cyclone-prone coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, especially Konaseema district, if so details thereof, (d) the details of the funds allocated, released, utilised for distribution of climate-resilient coconut seedlings and promotion of resilient cultivation in Andhra Pradesh during last three years, district-wise; (e) the number of training and awareness programmes conducted for coconut farmers on disaster preparedness and resilient cultivation in Andhra Pradesh, especially in Konaseema district; and (f) whether the Government plans to establish dedicated research/training/field centre for climate and disaster resilient coconut farming in Konaseema district, if so, details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान कʞाण राǛ मंũी (SHRI  RAMNATH THAKUR) (a):    As  reported  by  the  State  Government  of  Andhra  Pradesh,  the  Government  is promoting climate resilience and  value-addition initiatives in coconut  cultivation, particularly in Konaseema district, with support from the Coconut Development Board and various Central and State schemes.  Under the Rejuvenation and Replanting Scheme, financial assistance is being provided to coconut growers for the removal of senile and disease-affected  coconut  palms  and  for  replanting  with  quality  seedlings.  Through  the

- Mission  for  Integrated  Development  of  Horticulture  and  Rashtriya  Krishi  Vikas  Yojana,

support is extended for the creation of climate-resilient infrastructure such as pack houses and coconut collection centres to reduce post-harvest losses. The Andhra Pradesh Food Processing  Society  promotes  coconut-based  value-addition  activities,  including  virgin coconut oil, desiccated coconut powder and coconut oil, to reduce farmers' dependence on raw nut sales. In addition, under the Thotabadi initiative, horticulture officers undertake weekly field-level monitoring for pest and disease outbreaks, such as Rugose Spiraling Whitefly, and provide regular training and advisories to farmers at Rythu Seva Kendras.

(b) & (c):   As reported by State of Andhra Pradesh,   impact of recurring cyclones, coastal flooding  and  salinity  on  coconut  yield  and  productivity  in  Konaseema  district  is  being monitored regularly. The Horticulture Research Station (HRS), Ambajipeta is continuously monitoring farms through field observations, farmer feedback and experimental trials. The post-monsoon  period  of  October  to  November  is  identified  as  the  most  cyclone-prone season over the Bay of Bengal, affecting the Andhra Pradesh coast including Konaseema. During  the  last  three  years,  Cyclone  Montha  (2025) caused  the  most direct  impact  on Konaseema,  while  cyclones  such  as  Fengal  (2024)  and  Michaung  (2023)  influenced coastal weather with relatively lesser impact on the core coconut belt.

The  assessments  further  revealed  that  cyclones  and  high-velocity  winds  caused uprooting of palms, crown damage and severe nut fall in coconut plantations, particularly during  intense  cyclonic  events.  Coastal  flooding  and  tidal  surges  led  to  temporary waterlogging and increased soil salinity, adversely affecting root health, nutrient uptake and overall palm vigour. Salinity stress resulted in reduced nut yield, delayed flowering and a higher incidence of nutrient deficiencies, especially potassium and boron. It was also observed that plantations with improved drainage, higher organic matter application and balanced nutrient management showed better recovery and relatively stable yields.

Specific studies on salinity and drainage indicated that blockage of the Sankaraguptam drain  due  to  siltation  and  encroachments  caused  saline  backwater  intrusion,  affecting nearly one lakh coconut trees across nine villages, including Kesanapalli and Gollapalem, with  yield  losses  exceeding  40  per  cent  in  Razole  and  Malikipuram  mandals.  During Cyclone  Michaung  in  December  2023,  about  309  coconut  trees  were  uprooted,  while Cyclone Montha in October 2025 resulted in uprooting of approximately 1,291 trees. Based on  these  findings,  location-specific  advisories  and  resilience-oriented  management practices have been recommended to the Department of Horticulture and coconut farmers of Konaseema district.

As reported by State of Andhra Pradesh, climate-resilient and high-yielding coconut varieties suitable for cyclone-prone coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, including Konaseema district  have been identified and being evaluated.   The Horticulture Research Station  (HRS),  Ambajipeta,  in  coordination  with  the  ICAR-Central  Plantation  Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), is conducting research on coconut varieties with improved resilience to climatic stresses.  EC Tall and Godavari Ganga varieties have demonstrated comparatively better resilience and yield stability in farmers' fields. (d):  During  the  last  three  years,  the  Horticultural  Research  Station  (HRS),  Ambajipeta received financial assistance of ₹14,68,110 from the Coconut Development Board (CDB) and  utilized it for raising and supplying coconut seedlings and for supporting improved and resilient coconut cultivation in Andhra Pradesh. Under this support, seedlings of EC Tall and Godavari Ganga varieties, which have shown relatively better performance under adverse weather conditions based on farmers' field experiences, were propagated and distributed across districts, including coastal areas. (e) & (f): Training and awareness programmes have been conducted for coconut farmers in Andhra Pradesh, including Konaseema district, through research stations and on-farm activities,  focusing  on  remedial  and  ameliorative measures for managing the effects of adverse climatic conditions. Such programmes were organized on need basis as part of regular  extension  efforts.  During  the  last  three  years,  10  training  programmes  and  15 demonstrations  were  conducted  at  research  stations  and  in  farmers'  fields  to  create awareness on appropriate management practices. In  addition,  ICAR  through  KVKs have also conducted 22 training and 23 awareness programs on disaster preparedness and climate resilient cultivation of coconut including 1 training and 2 awareness programs in Konaseema region during 2024-25, benefitting 1282

coconut farmers.

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