THE TREE OF LIFE
Coconut, lovingly
and reverentially called Kalpataru, is indeed the tree
of life which sustains the economy of the people in all the areas
of our country where it grows in abundance. It yields multi-products
as the entire tree including its roots, is useful in one form
or the other. While its fruit is edible in many forms, the coir
provides industrial raw material, the fronds are used for thatching
the roofs while the barks are hollowed and made into fishing canoes.
Its roots are supposed to be good for gums. In fact, around 70
items are produced and exported by coconut-producing countries.
Over 40 non-traditional products, ranging from coconut oil- based
alcohol to handicrafts, are made from coconut. All this is a boon
for the coconut region’s economy. In India, apart from its commercial
significance, coconut is an integral part of the various socio-religious
ceremonies. Whether it is a wedding or the ritual pujas the Shriphal
is indispensable. A coconut offering to anyone in Maharashtra,
Karnataka and Gujarat is regarded as an honour.
India is third in
the list of coconut producing countries; Indonesia and the Philippines
being the first and the second respectively. Coconut is grown
across the country in an area of 1.78 million hectares. Its productivity
rate is about 7000 nuts per hectare, yielding more than 12000
nuts in a season. It is an important plantation crop and is a
means of livelihood and security to about 10 million people, especially
in the coastal and southern regions of the country. Karnataka,
Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh can be called the coconut
belt followed by Goa, Mahrashtra, Orissa, West Bengal, Assam,
Bihar, Pondicherry and Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
In the last two decades, with the help and efforts of the Coconut
Development Board, more areas of the north and the north-east
have been brought under coconut cultivation.
Coconut is, indeed,
a wonder tree. Its lush green plantations lend charm to the scenic
beauty, while its highly nutritious fruit is valued for its natural
benefits and curative properties. Coconut oil is rich in acids
which are anti-viral and anti-bacterial. It has been found to
be effective in lowering the viral load of HIV/AIDS patients.
For thyroid problems, coconut oil is helpful in increasing the
body metabolism and for weight loss. Coconut oil has 41.6
per cent fats per 100 grams of edible portion. Its acids are not
harmful. Coconut oil is used for cooking only in Kerala and some
parts of Tamil Nadu. In the rest of the country, the fruit is
relished in its dry kernel form as a dry fruit.
Tender coconut is
a valuable food. Its jelly-like soft and watery kernel contains
various enzymes and is easily digestible. Fresh coconut milk is
also an invigorating food for the malnourished or undernourished
children as it is rich in vitamin A, minerals and protein. Coconut
water is not only a refreshing drink but also an excellent tonic
as the water of a single fully grown coconut which is about 450
cc., contains several vitamins and minerals like iron, copper,
phosphorus, sulphur, potassium, calcium, sodium and chlorine.
Coconut is used
for its medicinal properties in various forms. For example, a
tablespoonful of freshly ground coconut taken with breakfast,
followed by a dose of castor oil after 3 hours, is an effective
remedy for worms. Coconut water is valuable in urinary disorders
like suppressed or scanty urination , dropsy and high acidity
in urine. It is also beneficial in fever, cholera, swelling in
the stomach due to fluid accumulation and in vomiting and dyspepsia.
In fact, it is a food medicine in vomiting cases. Coconut oil
has curative effect in skin disorders and it is used as a base
in many skin ointments. It is also a good hair tonic which keeps
the tresses thick and black. In fact, coconut oil is a household
remedy for itch, burns, scalds and ringworms.
Traditionally, coconut
was grown for its oil and for household consumption in sweets.
The use of copra in its grated form in curries and chutneys is
well known. With the help of emerging technologies and the encouragement
given by the Coconut Development Board, new products are coming
in the market in the form of coconut- jams, ready- to- use coconut
cream, sparkling aerated ready-to – drink coconut water, coconut
clips and dried coconut milk power. The Coconut
Development Board has collaborated with some other agencies to
bring some of the commercial products in the market. Apart from
being a health-friendly crop, coconut has an immense potential
for cottage industry products like handicrafts made out of shell
and coir. The coir industry produces mattresses, foot-mats and
mattings. Coconut shells are in high demand in plywood and laminated
board industry.
Coconut plantations
are eco-friendly. Their large biomass, leaves, bunches and hulks
yield 6 to 8 tonnes of organic matter per hectare per year. This
is the best organic manure one could think of. (PIB Features)
Inputs
from Usha Bande, Freelance Writer, Shimla
