Agriculture Dept. exploring option to supply coconut oil at lower rates through Supplyco: Minister

With coconut oil prices going through the roof, the Agriculture Department is planning to supply it at lower rates through the Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation (Supplyco) during Onam, Agriculture Minister P. Prasad said.

The department, along with the Kerala State Co-operative Apex Federation of Coconut Farmers Ltd (Kerafed), which markets the Kera brand coconut oil, is exploring options to supply it at affordable rates to the weaker sections of the society during the upcoming festival season, Mr. Prasad said, addressing a press conference here.

The Agriculture Department is in talks with Supplyco in this regard, he said.

Kerafed has already kicked off measures for coconut procurement at ₹1 higher than the market rates from farmer, Mr. Prasad said. This will serve to ensure the adequate supply of good quality coconut oil in the State, he said. The government decided to step in with a procurement plan, given the need to prevent the sale of adulterated coconut oil in the current situation, the Minister said.