Krishnarajanagar: Not only coconuts, but coconut shells are also getting bumper prices now. Coconut shells, which were previously thrown away as waste, have now received a good price, and traders are coming to their doorsteps to buy them.
Shell charcoal is being exported abroad
Earlier, coconut shells were used only for making charcoal or for decorative purposes. But now, there is a huge demand for charcoal made from shells in foreign countries. This is being exported, which is the main reason for the price increase.
In addition, as farmers are more inclined to sell coconut water, the number of mature coconuts coming to the market has decreased. Traders say that this has also led to a shortage of shells, which has increased the demand.
New source of income for women
Coconut shells, which were usually burned in the kitchen stove or thrown in the dustbin in villages, have now become a source of income. Due to this change, women in the house are collecting the shells carefully instead of throwing them away. Traders are buying them at Rs. 1 per shell or Rs. 20 to 22 per kg based on weight. The shells collected from households are being stored and sent to major coconut-based markets including Tiptur and Arasekere.
Another feather for the Kalpavriksha
The reason why the coconut tree is called 'Kalpavriksha' is because every part of it is useful for humans. Coconut water, coconut, coconut oil, coconut broom, feathers used to cover the roof, and even water used to heat water are all useful. Now its shell has also been added to this list, showing a new way of profit for the people and traders. Overall, the 'coconut shell', which was cheap until now, has now acquired its own valu