Coconut Development Board written to states for inclusion of coconut oil in PDS: Union Agri Minister

CHENNAI: (Mar 7) Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday said the Coconut Development Board has reached out to state governments across the country, suggesting the inclusion of coconut oil in the PDS.

Briefing the media following a stakeholders’ meeting with coconut growers and industry representatives here, the minister stated that substituting other oils with coconut oil in the PDS would not only provide a stable market and better prices for farmers but also offer healthy nutritional options to consumers.

"Coconut oil should be provided in the PDS instead of other oils. If we promote coconut oil in the PDS, it will benefit the farmers. The Coconut Development Board has written to all state governments with this request. We will discuss this further with the state governments," the minister said.