SUMMARY :

Coconuts are no longer just a food crop or a source of edible oil; today, they are used in various medicinal, nutraceutical, and cosmetic products. The global demand for coconuts and coconut-based products is growing rapidly. It is projected that the global market for coconut products will rise from USD 11.60 billion in 2020 to USD 23.39 billion by 2027.

In India, 1.94 million hectares of land are dedicated to coconut cultivation, with the majority of production concentrated in the southern states, particularly Kerala, which alone produces 90% of the country’s coconuts. These states also account for about 50% of the coconut-growing land in India.

Starting a coconut business in India is not too difficult. However, entrepreneurs need to have a strong understanding of the market and collaborate with the Coconut Board of India. This partnership can help them stay informed and overcome challenges. Without proper knowledge and resources, businesses may face difficulties that could lead to failure.

Coconut Board of India?

The Coconut Board of India, officially known as the Coconut Development Board (CDB), is a statutory body established by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare of India. Its primary purpose is to promote the development of coconut farming and the coconut industry in India. The board works to increase coconut productivity and diversify the range of coconut-based products.

The Coconut Board was established on January 12, 1981, and operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. Its headquarters are located in Kochi, Kerala, with regional offices in Guwahati (Assam), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), and Patna (Bihar).

The Coconut Board focuses solely on coconut and its related products, offering support to coconut businesses, including RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate) registration, which benefits both the businesses and the Indian economy.

Functions of the Coconut Board of India:

1.      Developing the Coconut Industry: The Coconut Board works on various measures to promote and grow the coconut industry in India.

2.      Providing Technical Advice: It offers expert guidance to both coconut farmers and the industry on best practices in cultivation and processing.

3.      Financial and Other Support: The Board provides financial assistance to expand coconut cultivation areas.

4.      Promoting Modern Technology: Encourages the use of advanced technology in processing coconuts and creating coconut-based products.

5.      Incentives for Coconut Products: The Board introduces schemes to incentivize the production and use of coconut and its products.

6.      Improving Marketing: It makes recommendations to enhance the marketing strategies for coconut products.

7.      Regulating Import and Export: The Board advises on regulating the import and export of coconuts and coconut-based products.

8.      Standardizing Products: Ensures the standardization of coconut products and grades for consistency and quality.

9.      Financing Schemes: The Board funds schemes aimed at increasing coconut production and improving its yield and quality.

10. Promoting Research: Supports and finances research related to coconut cultivation, products, and industry development.

11. Collecting and Publishing Data: Gathers and publishes statistics on coconuts and related products to help industry stakeholders.

12. Public Relations and Awareness: Conducts public relations activities, including the publication of periodicals and books to educate people about coconuts and their uses.

13. Implementing RCMC Schemes: Formulates and implements various schemes for businesses that have obtained RCMC (Registration-cum-Membership Certificate) with the Coconut Board of India.

How Registration with the Coconut Board of India Can Benefit Your Business:

1.      Mandatory for Export Benefits: Registration with the Coconut Board and obtaining the RCMC (Registration Cum Membership Certificate) is essential to claim export benefits under India’s Foreign Trade Policy. It may also help you access customs and excise perks, making it easier and more profitable to export coconut products.

2.      Legal Compliance: By obtaining this registration, your business ensures compliance with all relevant government regulations, which can prevent legal issues and fines.

3.      Product Research Support: The Coconut Board provides access to resources for chemical analysis and other research, enabling businesses to conduct product research and improve their offerings. This can help in developing unique, high-quality products.

4.      Global Connections and Market Access: The Coconut Board has international ties and regularly organizes trade fairs. Registration opens opportunities to build relationships with global markets, allowing your business to expand internationally.

5.      Access to Valuable Market Information: With an Online Journal Subscription through the Coconut Board, you gain access to up-to-date information on both domestic and international market trends, helping you stay ahead of competitors and make informed business decisions.

6.      Financial Support: The Coconut Board offers various financial schemes to support business growth, whether it’s for marketing, research, or expansion. This financial aid can make it easier for businesses to access funding and invest in their growth.

In summary, registering with the Coconut Board of India gives your business access to export benefits, research resources, financial support, and valuable market insights, all of which can help you grow and thrive in the coconut industry.

Essentials to Keep in Mind While Applying for Coconut Board RCMC Registration:

1.      Declare Your Main Business: When applying for the RCMC, the exporter must clearly declare their primary business. The registration will depend on the type of business, and the relevant Export Promotion Council will issue the RCMC.

2.      Apply to the Coconut Board of India: For businesses involved in the coconut industry, the Coconut Development Board (CDB) is the appropriate authority to apply for the RCMC. The application form must be submitted directly to the Coconut Board of India.

3.      Compliance with Registration Conditions: It is crucial to adhere to all the rules and conditions set by the Coconut Board. Failure to comply can lead to deregistration. If the Board proposes deregistration, the holder will receive a show-cause notice, providing an opportunity to present reasons against the decision.

4.      Validity Period: The RCMC registration issued by the Coconut Board is valid for two years. After this period, it needs to be renewed to continue enjoying the benefits.

5.      Federation Requirements: If a federation is seeking RCMC registration, it should have at least 20-25 CPS (Coconut Producers Societies) members and a minimum of 100,000 palm-bearing trees.

By ensuring compliance with these points, businesses can successfully obtain and maintain their RCMC registration with the Coconut Development Board of India.

Documents Required for Coconut Board RCMC Registration:

1.      Certificate of Registration: Original copy of the Certificate of Registration as a Charitable Society.

2.      Bye-Law and Memorandum: A copy of the bye-law and the Memorandum of Association of the Federation.

3.      Minutes of the Meeting: The minutes of the meeting where the decision was made to register the Federation with the Coconut Development Board.

4.      Partnership Deed/Articles of Association: A self-certified or attested copy of the Partnership Deed or Memorandum & Articles of Association.

5.      Member CPS Details: Details of all the member Coconut Producers Societies (CPS) in the prescribed format (Annexure III) in case of a Federation.

6.      IEC Code: A copy of the IEC (Import Export Code).

7.      PAN Card: A self-certified copy of the PAN Card.

8.      Certification Details: If applicable, provide details of certifications like ISO Certification or US FDA Certification.

These documents are necessary to ensure the validity and proper processing of your RCMC application with the Coconut Development Board.

Stepwise Online Procedure to Register with the Coconut Board of India:

1.      Step 1: Free Consultation
Begin with a free consultation with our RCMC registration experts to understand the document requirements and the benefits of registration in detail.

2.      Step 2: Document Upload
Upload the required documents on our web portal, or share them via email or WhatsApp.

3.      Step 3: Choose a Package and Pay
Select a suitable package and make the payment online using your preferred method.

4.      Step 4: Application Filing
Our experts will file the application on your behalf for Coconut Board of India registration. You will receive regular updates on the status of the application process.

5.      Step 5: Certificate Delivery
Once your application is successfully verified and approved by the Coconut Board of India, we will deliver your Coconut Board RCMC Registration Certificate to you online instantly.

This process ensures a smooth and efficient registration with the Coconut Development Board of India.

How E-FounderIndia's Team Can Assist You:

Obtaining Coconut Board RCMC Registration in India can be a challenging process, but with e-FounderIndia, you can make the procedure smooth and hassle-free. Our team connects you with industry experts who simplify the entire process. Here’s how we can help:

1.      Expert Guidance: You no longer need to travel to the Coconut Board or spend time preparing complex documentation. Our team of Chartered Accountants, Company Secretaries, and Lawyers will handle the entire registration process for you.

2.      Documentation Assistance: We take care of all the paperwork, ensuring that all necessary documents are correctly prepared and submitted.

3.      Responding to Concerns: If any objections or queries arise, our team will handle them on your behalf, so you don't have to deal with any issues personally.

4.      Efficient Process Handling: We leverage cutting-edge technology to streamline the process, ensuring that you don’t have to deal with time-consuming tasks.

5.      Ongoing Support: You can ask any questions regarding the RCMC Registration, and our knowledgeable experts are always available to assist you with any queries or concerns.

By choosing e-FounderIndia, you can leave the burden of obtaining necessary registrations and certificates to our experienced professionals, ensuring a stress-free and efficient experience.