The coconut processing centre set up by a cooperative Society at Munachanahalli in Chamarajanagar taluk will soon be extended at a cost of Rs 4.5 crore. A decision to this effect was taken by the board of directors of the unit at the recently held general meeting.
The unit, which has a capacity of processing 50,000 coconuts per day, provides jobs to around 250 people. Local growers formed a cooperative association and established this processing unit under Chamarajanagar Coconut Growers Association 20 years ago. More than 13,000 farmers of the district are cultivating coconut on 26,000 hectares using Irrigation pump sets in Hanur, Kollegal, Yelandur and Gundlupet taluks.
The had sanctioned Rs 3.5 crore for the unit in the 2010-11 budget to help the Association to set up their unit at Munanchanahalli village to ensure Marketing facilities for local coconut growers.