The East Coast Coconut Farmers Association, Peravurani, has exhorted the Tamil Nadu government to promote consumption of coconut oil as edible oil among the people of the State.

In a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister, the association said the oil was associated with the traditional foods of Tamilians. Distribution of coconut oil through the public distribution system would help revive traditional food preparation and create business opportunities for local edible oil manufacturers since more than ₹500 crore-worth coconuts were being produced in Tamil Nadu.

Further, promotion of coconut oil as food-grade oil would also help reduce the outflow of foreign exchange considerably since 14 to 16 million tonne of edible oil was being imported from other countries.

Distribution of coconut oil through PDS and usage in food prepared under the nutritious meal scheme would help those dependent on the industry earn a steady income. Hence, the Tamil Nadu government must reduce dependence on imported edible oil by taking up distribution of coconut oil through PDS and urge the Centre to formulate a policy in this regard.