It forms the base of most Goan preparations, including the ‘sheet kadhi’ or famed fish curry and rice that is the staple for most locals and tourists. However, the production of coconuts in the coastal state is witnessing a steady decline, pinching the pockets of consumers.

This fall in output of coconuts is attributed to pest infestations, destruction of the crop by simians and senile plantations in which these trees are past their prime.

The coconut palm has been notified as the state tree of Goa. Reports say that it is estimated that while Goa needs an average of 100,000 coconuts daily, it imports around 60,000 coconuts from Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Local farmers meet the remaining demand.

To tide over the shortage during the recent Ganesh festival, when the demand for cocon

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