Jalpa L Kotecha

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is an economically important perennial horticultural crop in India, traditionally dominated by southern states. In recent years, Gujarat particularly the Saurashtra (Kathiawar) region has emerged as a significant non‑traditional coconut‑growing area due to its extensive coastline, supportive government policies, and increasing market demand for tender coconuts. This paper analyses trends in coconut cultivation and production in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat during the period 2020-2025. Using secondary data from government reports, research journals, and reputable media sources, the study examines changes in area, production levels, geographical suitability, policy interventions, and constraints faced by farmers. Results indicate a steady expansion in area under coconut cultivation and a marked increase in production, especially of tender coconuts, with major contributions from Junagadh, Gir‑Somnath, and Bhavnagar districts. Despite positive growth, challenges such as water scarcity, soil salinity, and limited processing infrastructure remain. The study concludes that with targeted interventions in irrigation management, varietal improvement, and value‑chain development, coconut cultivation in Saurashtra has strong potential for sustainable growth (Coconut Development Board, 2023; Desh Gujarat, 2025; Tandel et al., 2025) ^{[1, 2, 9]}.

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