Sitharaman Bets Big on Coconuts in Budget 2026: Boosting Production & Global Brands

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a dedicated coconut promotion scheme in Budget 2026 to strengthen India's coconut sector.
• The scheme aims to increase output and productivity by replacing old, low-yield trees with new, high-quality saplings in major coconut-growing states.
• A focused program for cashew and cocoa was also announced, targeting self-reliance in production and processing, improved export competitiveness, and global brand recognition by 2030.
• India is a top coconut producer, with Karnataka leading in 2024–25, followed by Tamil Nadu; the sector supports nearly 12 million livelihoods.
• Coconuts offer significant health benefits, are versatile in cuisine (South Indian curries, North Indian sweets), and have rising demand due to plant-based diet trends.

Why It Matters: Budget 2026 prioritizes coconut sector growth, aiming for self-reliance, global branding, and increased productivity.