Not South India, Gujarat Is A Major ‘Coconut Producing State’; Supplies 40% Coconuts To North

Known for its tender green coconuts, Gujarat is now emerging as a significant coconut-producing state in India. Most of its coconuts are supplied to North India. You would be surprised to know that the state is also leaving behind Kerala and Karnataka in providing large numbers of these green, juicy coconuts. Here’s more on this.

Gujarat Is Now A Significant Coconut-Producing State

There is an all-new coconut capital in India. Gujarat is slowly leaving Tamil Nadu, Kerala and even West Bengal behind to supply a large number of coconuts. As per a report by The Print, tempos filled with green, tender coconuts are often seen heading to Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and UP. The stretch of NH-51, which passes through Somnath, Junagadh, Valsad and Bhavnagar, is now hailed as the ‘coconut highway’.

In the past five years, more and more hectares of fields in Gujarat have been taken over by coconut. Farmers shared with The Print that the green, tender and mildly sweet coconut is now the top cash crop of their coastal belt. And yes, the profits have also been great for farmers. One farmer, Naranbhai Solanki from Somnath, even called the coconut their lifeline.

Also Read: Café Hoppers, Rejoice! Gujarat’s Biggest Café, KOMO By Kaffa, Opens In Ahmedabad

Coconut Day Now A Celebration In Gujarat

According to The Print, 2 September, World Coconut Day, has become a celebratory occasion in Gujarat. This year, state agriculture minister Raghavji Patel also made an important announcement. He stated that the area under coconut cultivation in Gujarat has increased by nearly 26% since 2025. Currently, Gujarat produces 260.09 million coconuts every year. Twenty per cent of them are harvested when tender. Around 40% of the coconuts are sold in North Indian regions. Buyers in North India also prefer coconuts from Gujarat because the transportation cost is cheaper.

If this continues, Gujarat can become a competitor to the southern states in coconut production. Reportedly, there are not enough states that can produce tender coconuts, and Gujarat seems to have grabbed the opportunity and turned the situation to its advantage. But aren’t you curious to know what led to the growing production of coconuts in Gujarat? According to The Print, coconut production in the state has been growing for a decade, but Covid actually boosted its market. 

Demand Increased Sharply After COVID

When COVID hit, many doctors across the country started prescribing patients to drink coconut water instead of soft drinks, and the habit stuck. Coconut water became a go-to drink for many, and demand increased. This led to farmers along the coast adding more trees.

Farmers shared with The Print that the bigha revenue from coconut stands at around ₹50,000-70,000. The best quality coconuts cost around ₹25 per piece, but in summer, the price can go up to ₹60. Reportedly, coconut production has also replaced 40-50% of groundnut and wheat production in the region.

Also Read: Clear Waters, Powdery White Sands: Here’s Why Shivrajpur Beach In Gujarat Deserves A Spot On Your Travel List

You should also know that in southern states, most coconuts are used for oil production. But it’s not the same for Gujarat, where coconuts are known for their refreshing water and that creamy pulp that is delectable to eat.

It’s quite surprising that Gujarat is slowly becoming one of the most significant coconut-producing states in India. Tell us, do you enjoy coconut water?

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Kandarp Gupta and Bubbers13