**Executive Summary**
This document addresses Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 123 regarding the development of the Pollachi Coconut Cluster under the Cluster Development Programme. While a specific Rs. 250 crore project has not been approved, the government has identified the Pollachi region as a potential cluster. Timelines are established, and stakeholder consultations are ongoing. The response was due to be answered on December 9th, 2025.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Project Status:**
* The government has not approved a specific Rs. 250 crore Pollachi Coconut Cluster project.
* The Pollachi region has been identified as a potential coconut cluster under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP).
* **Cluster Development Agency (CDA):**
* TANHODA was identified as the CDA for the Pollachi region on 02.09.2024.
* TANHODA submitted a Cluster Gap Assessment Report on 22.02.2025 after consulting with the National Horticulture Board (NHB).
* **Implementing Agency (IA) Selection:**
* A Request for Proposal (RFP) for the IA selection was issued on 09.05.2025, resulting in two applications.
* One applicant did not meet eligibility criteria.
* The second application had deficiencies requiring rectification and resubmission by TANHODA.
* **Stakeholder Consultation:**
* Multiple stakeholder consultations have been conducted with farmers, FPOs, cooperatives, and scientists.
* Consultations were held on 13.02.2024, 18.12.2024, 24.12.2024 and 08.03.2025.
* A pre-bid meeting with interested bidders took place on 26.05.2025.
* **Timelines and Accountability:**
* Strict timelines have been established for infrastructure development related to pre-production, value addition, logistics, and branding.
* The CDP Suraksha Portal was developed for transparent fund transfer, real-time monitoring, and accountability.
**Impact Analysis**
**Farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Cooperatives**
* **Impact:** Affected by the development of the Pollachi Coconut Cluster, including infrastructure improvements and potential income realization.
* **Action Required:** Participate in consultations, submit proposals when requested and ensure they are properly supported, and engage with the CDP Suraksha Portal for transparency.
**TANHODA (Tamil Nadu Horticulture Development Agency)**
* **Impact:** Designated as the Cluster Development Agency (CDA) and responsible for project coordination.
* **Action Required:** Rectify and resubmit the second application for the Implementing Agency (IA), continue stakeholder consultations, and work with NHB to develop the cluster.
**National Horticulture Board (NHB)**
* **Impact:** Plays a consultative role in the Cluster Gap Assessment and overall program development.
* **Action Required:** Provide guidance and support to TANHODA in developing the Pollachi Coconut Cluster.
Key Entities Referenced
Cluster Development Programme (CDP): A program aimed at developing specific sectors within designated clusters, in this case, the Pollachi Coconut Cluster.
National Horticulture Board (NHB): A board involved in the development of horticulture in India, and consults with Cluster Development Agency(CDA) for the Pollachi Coconut Cluster.
TANHODA: Identified as the Cluster Development Agency (CDA) for the Pollachi region.
Pollachi Coconut Cluster: A project aimed at improving the infrastructure and value chain for coconut production in the Pollachi region of Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu: The state where the Pollachi Coconut Cluster is located, making it central to the policy's applicability.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 123
TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 09TH DECEMBER, 2025
DEVELOPMENT OF POLLACHI COCONUT CLUSTER
*123. SHRI ESWARASAMY K:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ िष और िकसान क(cid:670)ाण मं(cid:361)ी
be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has approved Rs. 250 crore Pollachi Coconut Cluster
project under the Cluster Development Programme of the National Horticulture Board;
(b) if so, the timelines for sanction, fund release and implementation of the same and
whether any delays have been reported in operationalising the project;
(c) whether the farmers including Farmer Producer Organizations and Cooperatives are
sufficiently informed and supported to submit proposals;
(d) the steps taken to ensure timely infrastructure development in pre-production, value
addition, logistics and branding as announced; and
(e) whether the Government will ensure that funds do not remain unutilised and take
accountability for any lapses affecting farmers’ income realisation in Pollachi region?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
कृ िष और िकसान क(cid:821) याण मं(cid:361)ी (SHRI SHIVRAJ SINGH CHOUHAN)
(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (e) OF THE LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 123 FOR 09TH DECEMBER, 2025 REGARDING
DEVELOPMENT OF POLLACHI COCONUT CLUSTER
(a): The Government has not approved any such proposal. However, Government has
identified the Pollachi region in Tamil Nadu as a potential cluster for the development of
coconut under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP) owing to its established
prominence as one of the country’s major coconut-producing belts, high concentration of
coconut plantation, favourable agro-climatic conditions, well developed ecosystem of
farmers, FPOs, and strong linkage and demonstrated potential for expansion of post-
harvest, processing and export-oriented activities. Accordingly, TANHODA was identified by
the State as the Cluster Development Agency (CDA) on 02.09.2024 for Pollachi region. The
Cluster Development Agency (CDA), in consultation with the National Horticulture Board
(NHB), carried out a Cluster Gap Assessment Report for the development of coconut, which
was prepared and submitted by TANHODA on 22.02.2025.
(b): As per the prescribed procedure under the Cluster Development Programme, the
Request for Proposal (RFP) for selection of the Implementing Agency (IA) for the Pollachi
Coconut Cluster was issued on 09.05.2025 and two applications were received. On
scrutiny of these application it has been found that one applicant does not qualify the
eligibility criteria as prescribed in the Guidelines. As regards the second application, some
deficiencies have been found including non-submission of financial statements, turnover
details, CA-certified net-worth certificates of shareholders and a complete component-wise
financial breakup, which are required to be rectified for its onward process. The same was
communicated to State Government/TANHODA (CDA) for rectification and resubmission for
further consideration.
(c): Multiple stakeholder consultations have been conducted to ensure that farmers,
Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and cooperatives are adequately informed and
supported. TANHODA and NHB conducted extensive stakeholder consultation meetings on
13.02.2024, 18.12.2024, 24.12.2024 and 08.03.2025, involving progressive coconut
farmers, FPOs, cooperatives, Tamil Nadu Agriculture University Scientist and private sector
firms. A pre-bid meeting was also held on 26.05.2025 with interested bidders to address the
queries.
(d) & (e): As per the prescribed procedure, strict timelines have been laid down for
timely development of infrastructure across pre-production, value addition, logistics, and
branding components. Further, the online CDP Suraksha Portal has been developed to
facilitate smooth fund transfer and ensure end-to-end transparency and accountability
during project implementation. The portal provides a robust mechanism for effective fund
utilisation, real-time monitoring, and seamless transfer of financial assistance through
transparent e-rupee processes. These measures collectively strengthen accountability and
minimize operational lapses, thereby safeguarding farmers’ income realisation.
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