development and technology transfer on utilization and product
diversification in both food and non food uses so that the practice
of fixing the price of coconut based on the existing market price
of coconut oil could be done away with. Coconut has the
advantage of having hundreds of uses which no other oil seed or
horticultural crop can claim. Coconut products and by-products
can be commercially utilized for multiple purposes. Coconut is a
food as well as an oil seed crop. It is also a source of fibre, timber,
and fuel. Coconut palm is also a beverage crop in many states in
the country. The kernel is an integral part of the diet of the people
of the West Coast of India. Nutritious milk is obtained from the
kernel, which yields oil on its boiling. Coconut milk is an essential
ingredient in many culinary preparations. The dried kernel or the
copra is the richest source of cooking oil of Kerala. Coconut oil is
also used as hair oil, body oil and industrial oil throughout the
country. It is an illuminant and lubricant as well. Coconut oil is an
ingredient in most of the premium cosmetic products. Coconut
oil yields many oleo chemicals which have wide applications in
various sectors. It can also be converted into bio-diesel. The
coconut oil cake, the residue obtained after the extraction of oil
from copra is a good cattle feed. Coconut palm yields toddy from
which jaggery, vinegar and arrack are manufactured. The timber
of coconut is used in house construction and to make furniture,
wall panels, show pieces and floor tiles. The inflorescence of
coconut is used to make ayurvedic medicines. Tender coconut is
used as a nutritious health and sports drink and is a base for many
ayurvedic preparations. The water of mature nut yields products
such as vinegar, jelly, nata de coco and wine. The shell is used as
a fuel besides manufacturing various commercial products like
shell powder, shell charcoal, shell based activated carbon, ice
cream cups, buttons of garments, utility articles and show pieces.
The soft bud of the palm is edible and nutritious. Spongy ball like
haustorium developing inside the nut when stored over a period
is a sweet delicacy which can be exploited as a commercial value
added product. The leaf of the palm is used for thatching houses.
Dried leaves are used as fuel besides serving as country torch in
villages. The spindle leaf is used for decoration and costuming in
folk dances. The midribs of leaves are used to make brooms, fish
234 coconut