Praan foods Kareelakulangara- a success story in coconut product diversification

Mr.Radhakrishnan is a gulf returnee who invested his savings and bank credit in a flour mill for powdering chilly, coriander and rice. But the income was low and he had enough spare time in between. He could get only a nominal income from the 1.5 acres of inherited coconut garden also. So he approached the KVK for proper guidance in utilizing the available facilities of the pulverizing unit to start any coconut related enterprise. KVK provided him the technology support to produce diversified coconut products from the nuts harvested from his farm utilizing the machineries available in the flour mill. Utilizing family labour, he ventured into the production of virgin coconut oil, chutney powder, fried coconut gratings (ready to use product), instant theeyal mix, avulose powder etc. All these products are sold under the brand name “Praan” and marketed through his production cum sales outlet near National Highway. He further extended the unit with labour saving devices like screw press, motorized scraper and grinder and on demand, provides the service of grating fresh coconut for hotels and marriage functions. The coconut water, otherwise wasted has been converted to coconut water lemonade and was used in ready to cook Appam mix. These products are in high demand and enables him to earn a steady monthly
income of over Rs.15,000/-.