Kerala, God’s own country is known for greenery and scenic beauty making it one of the top destination spots in the world. Kerala is derived from the word “Kera” meaning Coconut and “Alam “ meaning land.  Thus Kerala is known as the Land of Coconut trees. Kerala is the leading producer of coconut and it contributes 45% of India’s coconut.

Popularly known as “Kalpa Vriksham” each part of coconut trees have many uses. The leaves are used to make sheds, baskets and crafts etc. The husk used to make coir which is one of the leading industry of Kerala. The shell of the coconut is used for crafts, to make ladles and spoons. Coconut oil is one of the most used cooking oil in Kerala. Of course, coconut is the main ingredient of every Kerala dish. Thus every part of the tree is used in a way or another. Here we are listing the main industry related to coconut.

Coir Industry

The name coir itself originates from Malayalam word “Kayar”. In India, Coir industry was first established in Alleppey in 1859 by Irishman, James Darragh. The fibre extracted from coconut husk is used to make coir. You can see the visual treat of coir manufacturing during your journey towards the backwaters of Alleppey and Kollam. Coir is known as the golden fibre of Kerala and it is also an environment-friendly product. The industry is the largest cottage industry in Kerala.

Food Industry 

Coconut is one of the key ingredients in Kerala food. Coconut is used in almost all Kerala dishes. Kerala local cuisines like appam, puttu, idiyappam etc. Tender coconut water is one of the most used drink in Kerala. Coconut oil is commonly used as cooking oil and also as hair oil. Other coconut products used in food are coconut flakes, coconut milk etc.

Craft Industry

Coconut shell is used to make different crafts. The ladles and spoons made of coconut shell are present every Kerala household. It is also used to make small items like a pen stand, holder, lights etc. 

You can also use coconut leaves to make the basket, shed, etc. and the leaf midrib is used to make a broom.