Welcome to a tropical paradise where miniature wonders await! In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through the top 5 dwarf coconut varieties found in India. From their unique flavours to their compact size, these tiny treasures are sure to fascinate and delight. So grab your coconuts and let's explore the wonderful world of dwarf coconut varieties together!
1. Malayan Yellow Dwarf
Origin and Characteristics:
The Malayan Yellow Dwarf coconut, also known as MYD coconut, is one of the top dwarf coconut varieties found in India. It is a hybrid between the Malaysian Red Dwarf and the Vanuatu Tall variety, making it a perfect combination of both qualities. This variety was first discovered in Malaysia and has now become popular not only in India but also in other tropical regions around the world.
Appearance:
One of the key characteristics of the MYD coconut is its compact size, with an average height of 20-30 feet and a trunk diameter of about 8-12 inches. This makes it easier to cultivate and maintain compared to tall varieties which can reach up to 60 feet in height. The smaller size also makes it suitable for small-scale farming or home gardens.
In terms of appearance, the Malayan Yellow Dwarf has a distinct yellow colour on its exterior while maintaining a green shade at its base. Its fruits are medium-sized with an average weight of about 1 kg each. The nuts have thin fibrous husks which make them easy to open and extract the water and meat inside.
Yield:
Another notable characteristic of this variety is its early maturity, with trees starting to bear fruit within three years after planting. This makes it highly preferred by farmers who want quick returns on their investments. Additionally, MYD coconuts have a high yield potential, producing an average of 100-120 fruits per tree annually.
Taste and Nutrition:
Apart from being commercially viable due to its early maturity and high yield potential, the Malayan Yellow Dwarf also has several health benefits. Its water is rich in electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium which help replenish lost fluids during physical activities or illnesses. The meat inside is also packed with essential nutrients like fibre, protein, iron, zinc and vitamins B6 & C.
The Malayan Yellow Dwarf combines desirable qualities such as compact size, early maturity, high yield potential, and nutritional benefits. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for both commercial and home cultivation in India. With its origin in Malaysia, this variety has now become an integral part of the Indian coconut industry and continues to be a top choice for farmers and consumers alike.
2. Chowgat Orange Dwarf
Origin and Characteristics:
The Chowgat Orange Dwarf is a unique and popular variety of dwarf coconut found in India. It is also known as the Chowgat Orange Malayan Yellow Dwarf or simply the Orange Malayan Dwarf.
This variety was first discovered in the state of Kerala and has gained popularity due to its vibrant orange colour and delicious taste. The fruit of this coconut tree is medium-sized with a round shape, making it easy to harvest. The outer husk of the fruit has an attractive bright orange colour, which gives it its name.
Yield:
One of the main characteristics that sets the Chowgat Orange Dwarf apart from other varieties is its ability to produce coconuts at a young age. This variety starts bearing fruits within 3-4 years after planting, making it a favourite among farmers who are looking for quick returns on their investment.
Appearance:
The trees of this variety are relatively short, reaching an average height of 12-15 feet. This makes them ideal for small-scale cultivation and backyard gardens, where space may be limited. They are also resistant to strong winds and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making them suitable for coastal areas.
Taste and Nutrition:
In terms of taste, the Chowgat Orange Dwarf produces sweet and juicy coconuts with a distinct flavour that sets it apart from other varieties. The water inside the nut is clear and refreshing, while the flesh is soft and creamy. These qualities make it highly sought after in local markets as well as by food processors who use this variety to make coconut-based products like oil and milk.
Uses:
Apart from its culinary uses, this variety also has medicinal properties. The water inside these coconuts is known to have healing properties for various ailments such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and dehydration.
The Chowgat Orange Dwarf offers a perfect balance between aesthetics, taste, yield potential, and adaptability to different environments. Its popularity continues to grow not just in India but also in other parts of the world, where it has been introduced as an exotic variety. If you're looking to add a splash of colour and flavour to your coconut collection, the Chowgat Orange Dwarf is definitely worth considering.
3. Karnataka Tall (Chowgat Green Dwarf)
Origin and Characteristics:
Karnataka Tall, also known as Chowgat Green Dwarf, is one of the top dwarf coconut varieties found in India. It is a hybrid variety developed by the Coconut Research Station at Kasaragod in Kerala. This variety is characterized by its compact size, high yield potential and disease resistance.
Appearance:
The Karnataka Tall coconut tree grows up to a height of 25-30 feet, making it ideal for small gardens and farms. Its compact size also makes it suitable for intercropping with other crops such as bananas, pineapple or spices. The tree has a single straight trunk with an average girth of 8 inches. Its crown consists of around 20-25 fronds that are dark green in colour and have a length of about 7-9 feet.
Yield:
One of the main advantages of this variety is its high yield potential. A mature tree can produce up to 150 coconuts per year on average. The nuts are medium-sized with thick husks and contain sweet-tasting water and copra (coconut meat). The copra from Karnataka Tall coconuts is rich in oil content, making it highly desirable for commercial purposes.
Cultural Significance:
Apart from being productive, this variety is also resistant to several diseases that commonly affect coconut trees. It is tolerant to lethal yellowing disease, which has been plaguing coconut trees in some parts of India. The Karnataka Tall trees have also shown resistance to root wilt disease caused by Phytophthora palmivora fungus.
Another notable feature of this variety is its ability to adapt to different agro-climatic conditions. It can thrive well in both coastal areas and inland regions with an annual rainfall ranging from 1000mm to 3000mm. However, it performs best when grown in well-drained soils with good moisture retention capacity.
In terms of maintenance, the Karnataka Tall requires regular pruning for proper growth and development. Pruning helps maintain the compact size of the tree and also facilitates easy harvesting. The trees should also be fertilized with a balanced blend of organic and inorganic fertilizers to ensure healthy growth and maximum yield.
Karnataka Tall or Chowgat Green Dwarf is an ideal choice for coconut farmers looking for a high-yielding, disease-resistant and adaptable variety. Its compact size makes it suitable for small-scale farming, while its delicious coconuts have great commercial value. With proper maintenance, this variety can provide a steady source of income for farmers while contributing to the overall growth of the Indian coconut industry.
4. Kalpa Raksha (VPM1 and VPM2)
Origin and Characteristics:
Kalpa Raksha, also known as VPM1 and VPM2, is a popular dwarf coconut variety found in India. It is a hybrid of the West Coast Tall and the Orange Dwarf varieties, developed by the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) located in Kerala. This variety was released for commercial cultivation in 1994 and has gained widespread popularity among farmers.
Appearance:
One of the main characteristics of Kalpa Raksha is its dwarf stature, which makes it suitable for small landholdings. The tree grows up to a maximum height of 6-7 feet, making it easier to manage and harvest compared to tall coconut trees. This compact size also makes it ideal for backyard gardening or rooftop farming.
Yield:
Apart from its size, Kalpa Raksha is also known for its high-yield potential. On average, each tree can produce around 120-150 coconuts per year. This makes it a profitable option for farmers with limited land space as they can generate higher income from smaller areas.
Another advantage of this variety is its early fruiting period. Kalpa Raksha starts bearing fruits within three years of planting, making it an attractive choice for commercial cultivation. Additionally, the coconuts produced by this variety have thin husks and large volumes of water inside, making them suitable for both domestic consumption and processing industries.
Cultural Significance:
In terms of pest and disease resistance, Kalpa Raksha has shown good tolerance towards common diseases like root wilt caused by Phytophthora palmivora fungus and leaf rot caused by Thielaviopsis paradoxa fungus. This reduces the need for excessive use of pesticides and lowers production costs.
Moreover, Kalpa Raksha has been found to have good adaptability to various agro-climatic conditions across India. It thrives well in both coastal regions with high humidity levels and inland areas with relatively drier climates.
With all these qualities combined, it's no surprise that Kalpa Raksha has become one of the top preferred dwarf coconut varieties in India. Its popularity has also led to its widespread distribution across the country, making it easily accessible for farmers.
Kalpa Raksha or VPM1 and VPM2 is a promising dwarf coconut variety that offers high productivity, early fruiting, pest and disease resistance, and adaptability to different climates. It is a valuable addition to the Indian coconut industry and a boon for small-scale farmers looking to maximize their land's potential.
5. Lakshadweep Ordinary (Laccadive Ordinary)
Origin and Characteristics:
Lakshadweep Ordinary, also known as Laccadive Ordinary, is a unique and lesser-known variety of dwarf coconut found in India. It is primarily grown in the Lakshadweep Islands, a group of 36 islands located in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Kerala. These islands are home to some of the most beautiful and exotic coconut trees, including the Lakshadweep Ordinary.
The name "Lakshadweep" itself means one hundred thousand islands in Malayalam, which reflects the abundance and diversity of this region. The climate, soil composition, and geographical location make it an ideal place for growing coconuts, especially the Lakshadweep Ordinary variety.
Appearance:
One of the distinct features of this coconut variety is its small size compared to other dwarf varieties found in India. The average height of a Lakshadweep Ordinary tree ranges from 12-15 feet tall, making it easier to maintain and harvest compared to taller varieties. The tree has a slender trunk with long leaves that curve gracefully towards the ground.
The coconuts produced by these trees have a round shape with a smooth green exterior when young and turn brown as they mature. The nut itself is relatively small in size but packs a punch when it comes to taste and nutritional value. They are rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, and calcium.
Yield:
One unique aspect of this variety is that it produces both tender coconuts (known as 'Nariyal Pani' in Hindi) and mature coconuts (known as 'Gola' or 'Kopra' in Hindi). Tender coconuts are harvested when young to make refreshing drinks while mature ones are used for cooking or extracting oil.
Taste and Nutrition:
Apart from their delicious taste and versatile use, these coconuts also have medicinal properties. They are believed to improve digestion, boost immunity and provide relief from skin ailments like eczema and dryness.
Cultural Significance:
The Lakshadweep Ordinary trees are not only valued for their coconuts but also for their role in coastal protection. The roots of these trees hold the soil together, preventing erosion and maintaining the integrity of the shorelines.
The Lakshadweep Ordinary is a unique and valuable dwarf coconut variety found in India. Its small size, delicious taste, and numerous benefits make it a popular choice among locals and tourists alike. If you ever get a chance to visit the beautiful islands of Lakshadweep, don't forget to try this extraordinary coconut!
