SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF COCONUT FARMING IN KERALA

Coconut farming forms an integral part of the agrarian economy of Kerala, India, contributing significantly to rural livelihoods and the state's overall agricultural output. However, the sector is plagued by inefficiencies in post-harvest handling, value addition, logistics, and market accessibility, which collectively hamper profitability and sustainability. This study aims to investigate the current supply chain management (SCM) practices adopted in coconut farming across major growing regions in Kerala and to assess their effectiveness in addressing these operational challenges. A structured survey was conducted among 150 coconut farmers selected through a convenience sampling method. The research design incorporates both qualitative and quantitative methods, including descriptive statistics, supply chain mapping, and SWOT analysis, to evaluate the performance of existing SCM practices. The findings highlight critical bottlenecks such as inadequate storage facilities, fragmented market linkages, and limited adoption of digital tools. Moreover, the study identifies opportunities for integrating cooperative marketing, value chain collaboration, and ICT-enabled supply chain solutions. The insights derived provide a strategic framework for policymakers, agri-preneurs, and farmer producer organizations (FPOs) to enhance the efficiency, responsiveness, and sustainability of the coconut supply chain. This research contributes to the broader discourse on agricultural supply chain optimization in developing economies and proposes practical interventions aligned with consumer demand and global market trends.