Belve Cooperative Launches Coconut Oil Unit in Kundapur with Direct Farmer Link

Kundapur: Belve Agricultural Service Co-operative Society No. formally opened its new coconut oil plant and unveiled its own brand of coconut oil products on Monday at the society's headquarters. Kundapur MLA A. Kiran Kumar Kodgi inaugurated the unit by lighting a lamp and starting the machinery. He highlighted the struggles of coconut growers due to price volatility, disease, and market access issues. "This unit will buy nuts directly from member plantations at market rates, cutting out middlemen and ensuring farmers get full value," Kodgi said. He praised the society, the largest by membership in the region, for expanding beyond banking into manufacturing.

Society President Jayaram Shetty said the plant has a processing capacity of 50,000 nuts per day and will produce pure, chemical-free coconut oil. The 'Belve Coconut Oil' brand is now available in 1-liter and 500-milliliter packs. Former Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman K. Pratap Chandra Shetty formally dedicated the unit, while Jayakara Shetty Indrali launched the product commercially.

The event drew Vice President Harish Kini B., Chief Executive Keerthi Kumar Shetty, directors, professional staff, zonal supervisors, cooperative department officials, and hundreds of farmers. The chief executive officer welcomed attendees, and the secretary proposed a vote of thanks. The initiative aims to stabilize income for local coconut farmers by providing a guaranteed market and fair pricing through the cooperative's new venture.

Image for illustration purposes only

📰 Source: Kundapra