CAMPCO records all time high turnover

• CAMPCO to enter into coconut processing and marketing

Mangaluru: The Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Cooperative (CAMPCO) Ltd. has recorded an all-time high turnover of ₹1,742 crore in 2017-18 and the net profit was ₹41 crore , said CAMPCO President S R Satishchandra on September 27^th. About 10 percent dividend will be given to the members and one rupee incentive on arecanut per kg, he added.

Entry into coconut processing and marketing

With a view to help farmers to get better prices for coconut that is largely grown in coastal Karnataka and Kerala where the cooperative has strong presence, the Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Cooperative (Campco) Ltd. is making its entry into coconut processing and marketing.

Speaking to the reporters about CAMPCO’s entry into coconut procession and marketing Mr Satishchandra said that that cooperative was initially dealing with areca, expanded to coca, pepper and rubber and now to coconut, as it is committed to better the economic stability of farmers.

“We encourage farmers to engage in multi-cropping to effectively face vagaries of nature and economy,” he observed.

Coconut processing plant

The land for the installation of the coconut processing plant is yet to be finalised. The plant will be established with machinery and technical guidance from Alfa Laval with a capacity to process 1 lakh coconuts a day. Rs 40 crore will be invested on the plant which will produce virgin oil and desiccated coconut, primarily meant for export. It will also produce activated carbon (from coconut shells), pasteurised coconut milk and coconut oil for domestic market.

Once the land is finalised closer to New Mangalore Port, the plant will come up within two years, said Campco Managing Director M. Suresh Bhandary.

Kole Roga

During the three-month torrential rain, 40% to 50% of the arecanut crop in coastal and Malnad region was destroyed due to fruit-rot disease (kole roga). Campco has sought special package for farmers from the Central and State governments.

Shortage of skilled labour

Arecanut growers are facing shortage of skilled labour for spraying and plucking activities. To address this shortage of skilled labour for areca plantations, Campco will offer training to those interested.