Why are coconut palms important to Lakshadweep’s economy?

Coconut palms are the agricultural mainstay of Lakshadweep and play a vital role in the territory's economy. Their importance is primarily driven by the production of copra, which is processed and exported to the Indian mainland.1

Additionally, the coconut palm supports local manufacturing industries. Specifically, the production of coir—a fiber extracted from the coconut husk—is a key industrial activity in the islands.1