Assessing the economic benefits and socio-technical challenges in the adoption of TNAU coconut tonic in Tamil Nadu

Introduction

The coconut palm (Cocos nucifera), often called the "tree of life" is one of the most important tropical crops, thriving mainly in coastal regions of Southeast Asia and India. Every part of the tree has value from its water, oil, coir and shells used in crafts and industry. Globally, over 60 million tonnes of coconuts are produced each year, with India leading production, especially in Tamil Nadu. Beyond its economic value, the coconut industry supports millions of rural families. However, farmers face ongoing challenges such as aging trees, climate change, pests and nutrient shortages. To help tackle these problems, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) introduced the Coconut Tonic a specially formulated nutrient-rich liquid applied through root feeding. It's designed to increase leaf chlorophyll, reduce immature nut drop, improve nut size and number and boost yields by up to 20%. Farmers also find that it strengthens palms against pests and environmental stress, while lowering their need for chemical pesticides. The recommended dose is 200 ml per palm, twice a year, ensuring efficient nutrient uptake. Research has shown that farmers using the tonic experience higher yields and incomes, though issues like price and availability can limit adoption [1][2][3] . Overall, TNAU Coconut Tonic is proving to be a simple but powerful tool for sustainable coconut farming helping palms stay healthier, farmers earn better and the coconut industry remain strong for the future. Objectives 1. To assess the cost and benefit of TNAU Coconut Tonic on farm income. 2. To examine farmer perceptions regarding the advantages of adopting TNAU Coconut Tonic 3. To identify the constraints faced by farmers in implementing TNAU Coconut Tonic practices.

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, focusing on two major coconut-growing blocks: Pollachi East, Pollachi West. A total of 180 farmers were chosen through simple random sampling, with 45 TNAU coconut tonic users and 45 nonusers from each block. The sample was divided equally into two categories:

TNAU Coconut Tonic Users (90 farmers) Non-Users (90 farmers) Primary data were gathered through a structured questionnaire covering inputs, yield, pest and disease control and socio-economic factors. Secondary data were sourced from the Coconut Development Board and other published records to provide context on cultivation area, production, and productivity at district, state and national levels [4] . www.extensionjournal.com

Cost-Benefit Analysis

For the year 2023-2024, primary data on establishment expenses, annual maintenance costs, and returns from coconut cultivation were collected to estimate the cost of production and the associated returns.

The Gross Income was computed as: Gross Income = Main product yield * Unit price The Net Income was derived using the formula: Net Income = Gross Income-Total Cost Weighted Average Analysis A weighted average analysis was employed to evaluate the benefits derived from the application of the TNAU Coconut Tonic. This approach facilitates the identification of the factor contributing the greatest benefit, based on its assigned weight.

The weighted average is computed using the formula:

Garrett's Ranking Technique

Garrett's ranking technique was employed to prioritize the factors based on respondents preferences. In this method, each participant was asked to assign a rank to every factor under consideration. These ranks were then converted into corresponding scores using the following formula:

Percent position =

Where, Rij = Rank given for the i th variable by j th respondents Nj = Number of variables ranked by j th respondents The calculated percent positions were subsequently matched with Garrett's conversion table to obtain the respective score values. The individual scores for each factor were summed across all respondents, and the mean score for each factor was then computed. The factor with the highest mean score was identified as the most significant factor in influencing the respondents preference [5] . A comparison of yield and income between coconut tonic users and non-users reveals clear economic advantages from using the tonic. On average, users harvested 25,724 nuts, which is 5,732 more than the 19,992 nuts obtained by nonusers a difference found to be statistically significant at the 1% level (*). With both groups selling at the same market price of ₹18 per nut, this yield gain resulted in a higher gross income for users, amounting to ₹4.63 lakh, compared to ₹3.60 lakh for non-users an increase of ₹1,03,176 also significant at the 1% level. After factoring in production costs, users earned a net income of ₹2.13 lakh, which exceeded the ₹1.32 lakh earned by non-users by ₹81,630, further underscoring the profitability of tonic application. From a cost-benefit perspective, the input-output ratio for users was 1.85 higher than the 1.58 recorded for non-users, indicating that tonic adoption not only boosts yield and income but also generates greater returns for every rupee spent. Analysis of gross returns, net returns and cost-benefit ratios in coconut farming and highlights that input adoption (such as tonic application) results in higher profits and efficiencies [6] .

Result and Discussion

Gross and Net Returns in Coconut Farm

Advantages of Using Coconut tonic

The table 2 and Figure 1 illustrate the primary benefits of using TNAU Coconut Tonic based on weighted average scores. The most notable improvements are in the increased number and size of nuts (73.22) and a rise in nut yield of up to 20% (72.17), followed closely by a reduction in button shedding (71.17). These results highlight the TNAU coconut tonic strong role in boosting coconut growth and reducing premature nut drop, thereby enhancing overall productivity. Meanwhile, moderate benefits are seen in improving resistance to pests, diseases and environmental stresses (58.32), as well as in promoting the longevity and vigour of palms (56.73), indicating a positive impact on tree health and resilience over time. TNAU Coconut Tonic boosts coconut yield by reducing button shedding, improving plant vigour, and enhancing pest/disease resistance [7] . www.extensionjournal.com The main challenges in adopting TNAU Coconut Tonic include its high cost, limited availability only through TNAU outlets, and technical difficulties in correct application, which together restrict wider farmer uptake despite its proven agronomic benefits [8] .

Conclusion

The adoption of TNAU Coconut Tonic significantly improves coconut productivity and profitability, yielding higher nut output, gross income and net returns compared to non-users. Key benefits include larger nut size, yield increases of up to 20% and reduced button shedding. However, high costs, limited availability and application challenges remain critical barriers to widespread adoption among farmers.

Policy Suggestions

To enhance adoption, policymakers should subsidize tonic prices, expand distribution beyond TNAU outlets, and conduct on-farm demonstrations for better application practices. Strengthening farmer awareness campaigns, integrating the tonic into government horticulture schemes, and promoting public-private partnerships for production and supply could ensure wider accessibility and sustained productivity gains in coconut farming

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgementsWe would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the individuals and organizations who have contributed to the publications of this research. Authors' contributions

References

1. Kalarani K, et al. Popularization and impact of TNAU Coconut Tonic. Agriculture Update. 2009.
2. Karthickraja R, et al. Problems and benefits of TNAU Coconut Tonic adoption. International Journal of Environment and Climate Change. 2023.
3. Journal of Scientific Research and Reports. Adoption dynamics and impact of TNAU Coconut Tonic among farmers in Tamil Nadu. Journal of Scientific Research and Reports. 2025.
4. Coconut Development Board. Official website. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. 2024 [Accessed 2025 May 5]. Available from: http://coconutboard.nic.in
5. Vinodhini C, Deshmukh KV. An economic analysis of coconut farming in Karur district. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences. 2017;6(12).
6. Padma SR, Bhavadharani S. Understanding the adoption dynamics and impact of TNAU Coconut Tonic: A study among coconut farmers in Tamil Nadu, India. Journal of Scientific Research and Reports. 2025;31(6):637-643.