The Coconut Development Board has significantly enhanced financial assistance for new plantations and nurseries, aiming to bring 8,000 hectares under fresh coconut cultivation while expanding the crop beyond its traditional growing regions. During its first year, 5,430 farmers received financial assistance covering 2,271 hectares across the country. 'Some applications reached us late, so we could not extend financial assistance to all eligible applicants during the last financial year. To bridge that gap, entrepreneurs and farmers setting up Board-approved nurseries are eligible for financial assistance under the Coconut Nursery Scheme. Under the nursery scheme, financial assistance of Rs 45 per seedling is provided in two equal instalments after inspection and verification.