Hundreds of coconut trees have died in taluka over last decade
Farmers say that repeated damage caused by wild animals and the spread of a suspected disease have severely affected coconut plantations.
VALPOI
Coconut production in Sattari taluka is under serious threat as a disease affecting coconut palms and the increasing nuisance of monkeys have caused significant damage to plantations over the past several years. Farmers claim that the lack of timely intervention and proper disease management has worsened the situation.
According to local growers, hundreds of coconut trees have died in the taluka over the last decade, leading to a noticeable decline in production. Farmers fear that if urgent steps are not taken, the region could face a shortage of coconuts in the near future.
Coconut cultivation is carried out on a large scale in Sattari, which is considered an important area for coconut production. However, farmers say that repeated damage caused by wild animals and the spread of a suspected disease have severely affected their plantations.
Growers report that the affected trees gradually weaken as the trunk or root system gets damaged, eventually drying up and dying. Although the exact cause of the problem has not yet been identified, farmers suspect that pests are boring into the trunks of the coconut trees and feeding on the internal tissue, weakening the trees from within.
The issue has been reported from several parts of Sattari taluka, causing growing concern among coconut farmers about the future of their plantations.
At the same time, the increasing monkey menace has added to the difficulties faced by growers. Farmers say monkeys not only eat coconuts but also pluck and throw down many immature nuts, resulting in heavy losses.
Coconut growers say they have repeatedly urged the authorities to take effective measures to control the monkey nuisance, but claim that no concrete action has been taken so far.
Farmers have now appealed to the Agriculture Department to conduct detailed research into the disease affecting coconut palms and to launch a special campaign to control its spread. They warn that without immediate intervention, coconut production in Sattari taluka could decline sharply in the coming years.
