The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) has joined hands with the SAARC Development Fund (SDF) to launch an ambitious project to boost farm income in Kuttanad by helping farmers make value-added products from coconut.
Officials of the MSSRF say a Joint Liability Group (JLG) comprising farmers has been constituted for the purpose. The value-added products made from coconuts procured solely from the below sea-level region are expected to hit the market under the brand name ‘Kera Saras’ in October this year.
“It is a model project funded by the SDF to promote coconut farmers in Kuttanad. A wide range of value-added products such as coconut oil, virgin oil, coconut milk, powder, coconut water, and coir geotextiles, to name a few, can be made from it. The JLG will begin with producing coconut oil and virgin oil before launching other products. The project will ensure higher income for farmers, increased employment, and a rise in coconut production in Kuttanad, while consumers will get the best products made in the below sea-level region,” says Jibin Thomas, coordinator, MSSRF, Kuttanad centre.
