Conceptual Framework
Coconut, revered as Kalpavriksha (the tree of life), is one of the most significant plantation crops in Coimbatore District, the largest coconut-producing district in Tamil Nadu. However, climate uncertainties, rising input costs, and limited market security have made traditional agriculture unsustainable for many small and marginal farmers.
Recognizing this challenge, Marico Ltd., a leading FMCG company with a strong CSR focus, partnered with COODU in 2018 to launch the Coconut Development Programme under its CSR initiative. The programme aimed to strengthen water management, soil and moisture conservation, and climate resilience practices in coconut plantations to enhance productivity and secure farmer livelihoods.
Project Strategy
Role of Partners
Ø Marico Ltd.: Project funding, monitoring, approval of DPR, and impact assessment.
Ø COODU: Farmer mobilization, DPR preparation, execution of works, training facilitation, financial management, reporting, and completion documentation.
Phased Implementation
Phase I (2018–2019)
Ø Farm Ponds: Constructed for 39 farmers, strategically located to capture runoff water and recharge soils.
Ø Soil & Moisture Conservation Measures: Implemented trench-cum-bunds and ring bunds in the fields of 300 farmers.
Ø Training & Demonstrations: Conducted FFS sessions with scientists, agriculture officers, and farmer leaders covering micro-irrigation, pest management, organic practices, and marketing strategies.
Phase II (2019)
Ø Responding to strong farmer demand, an additional 12 farm ponds and intervention measures for 158 farmers were sanctioned.
Ø Expansion ensured wider reach and greater water conservation impact across Kinathukadavu villages (Kappalankarai, Sirukalandai, Andipalayam, Perianegamam, and others).
Financial Outlay
Ø Total CSR sanction by Marico: ₹46.8 lakh.
Ø Farmer contribution: 10–20% of works (exceeding expectations).
Ø Example: Farm pond works worth ₹24.83 lakh were executed with ₹21 lakh from CSR funds and ₹3.83 lakh from farmer contributions.
Implementation Highlights
Ø Farm Ponds: Designed with proper inlets and outlets, lined with stone pitching to filter sediments.
Ø Training Sessions:
v TNAU Water Technology Centre emphasized micro-irrigation and efficient water use.
v KVK experts trained farmers on pest and fertilizer management in coconut.
v Farmer leaders shared success stories on coconut marketing and value addition.
Ø Monitoring & Accountability: All works were supervised by Marico-appointed monitors, COODU engineers, and certified by farmers themselves.
Impact of the Project
Ø Enhanced Productivity: Increased flowering and nut setting in coconut palms due to assured water availability.
Ø Water Security: Farm ponds and bunding improved groundwater recharge and soil moisture retention.
Ø Adoption of Good Practices: Farmers actively collected mulching materials, adopted intercropping, and followed water-efficient techniques.
Ø Income Generation: Higher yields and diversification into intercrops like banana, sugarcane, and vegetables improved farm income.
Ø Improved Livelihoods: With increased income, farmers expressed confidence in investing in children’s education, farm mechanization, and value addition activities (desiccated coconut, coir by-products, weaving).
Expected Long-Term Outcomes
Ø Increased production and productivity of coconut plantations.
Ø Sustained income growth for farmers and better living standards.
Ø Models for replication across other drought-prone coconut belts in Tamil Nadu.
Conclusion
The Coconut Development Programme in Kinathukadavu, supported by Marico Ltd. and implemented by COODU, has demonstrated how corporate–community partnerships can transform plantation agriculture. By combining water management, soil conservation, and farmer capacity building, the initiative has set a replicable model of climate resilience in coconut farming. Farmers now look forward to a future where their coconut palms – the “tree of abundance” – will once again sustain livelihoods and drive rural prosperity.
