Copra from Lakshasweep, known for its quality and high oil content, is finding its way into the coconut oil market in Kerala.

The start of harvest season in the islands has paved the way for bulk arrival in Kerala markets, utilising port facilities in Beypore and Mangaluru.

The commodity will be graded at these ports. Edible copra is being despatched to north Indian markets, while milling copra, which finds more takers, will be moved to Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Thalath Mahmood, Director, Cochin Oil Merchants Association, said.

The price of the commodity is ₹3-4 higher compared with other available copra in the market.

There is high demand among traders because of its higher oil content, about 70 per cent for one kg vis-a-vis 64 per cent from other local grades.

The market considers Lakshadweep copra as a quality produce due to its peculiar advantage of having grown on the seaside, he said. With the harvest season in Lakshadweep expected to continue for the next six months, he said the market is likely to witness good arrivals from the islands.

Meanwhile, the festival demand ahead of Easter and Vishu in Kerala next month has revived the market with traders started stocking coconut oil in large quantities.

However, prices were more or less steady this week in Kerala and Tamil Nadu quoting ₹13,500 a quintal and ₹13,300 respectively.

Increased copra arrivals impacted prices, which are ruling at ₹9,800 both in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, he said.

Our Erode Correspondent adds: Copra prices increased in Erode on the back of rising exports of tender coconuts to Gulf countries.

RM Palanisamy, a trader, said that as on date the copra was available at ₹9,900-10,000 a quintal and only limited quantity is available.

Similarly, oil crushers do not have stocks. But oil price remains at ₹2,000-50 for a 15-kg loose pack. B

ecause of the rise in coconut oil prices, many biscuit and other firms using the coconut oil have switched over to palm kernel as it is available at ₹93/kg – ₹30 lower than coconut oil.

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