The Coconut Development Board Act, 1979

Summary of the Coconut Development Board Act, 1979

The Coconut Development Board Act, 1979 was enacted by the Parliament of India to promote the planned development of the coconut industry under the control of the Central Government. The Act provides for the establishment of the Coconut Development Board (CDB) as a statutory body responsible for improving coconut cultivation, production, processing, marketing, and overall industry development. The Act was passed on 17 March 1979 and came into force on 12 January 1981.

Objectives

The main objectives of the Act are to:

• Promote the integrated development of the coconut industry.

• Increase coconut production and improve quality.

• Encourage scientific cultivation and modern farming practices.

• Support processing, marketing, and export of coconut and coconut products.

• Coordinate efforts between the Central Government, State Governments, research institutions, and growers.

Establishment of the Coconut Development Board

The Act establishes the Coconut Development Board as a body corporate with perpetual succession. It can:

• Acquire, hold, and dispose of property.

• Enter into contracts.

• Sue and be sued in its own name.

Composition of the Board

The Board consists of representatives from:

• The Central Government.

• State Governments of coconut-growing regions.

• Members of Parliament.

• Research institutions.

• Coconut growers.

• Coconut processing industry.

• Other stakeholders connected with the coconut sector.

The 2021 Amendment introduced a non-executive Chairman and a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to improve governance and administration.

Functions of the Board

The Board is responsible for:

• Recommending measures for coconut cultivation and production.

• Financing development schemes.

• Promoting research, extension, and training.

• Improving processing and marketing of coconut products.

• Collecting and publishing industry statistics.

• Advising the Central and State Governments on coconut-related matters.

• Encouraging domestic and international marketing of coconut products.

Finance

The Act provides for:

• Grants and loans from the Central Government.

• Creation of the Coconut Development Fund.

• Borrowing powers of the Board with Central Government approval.

• Maintenance of accounts and annual audits.

Government Control

The Central Government has the power to:

• Issue policy directions to the Board.

• Approve rules and regulations.

• Require reports and returns from the Board.

• Dissolve the Board under specified circumstances.