Farmers may be allowed to sell tender coconuts at multiplexes in Karnataka

Bengaluru, Mar 17: After placing a cap on ticket prices at Rs 200, the Congress government of Karnataka has decided to allow farmers to sell tender coconuts at multiplexes.

Replying to BJP's M K Pranesh in the legislative council on Thursday, municipal administration minister Eshwar Khandre said the objective is to help coconut growers reeling under drought. A circular to this effect would be issued to all city corporations to provide licence for the sale of tender coconuts.

The minister, who was replying on behalf of Urban Development Minister R?Roshan Baig, said the government has no objection to the sale of tender coconut water in multiplexes.

“If there is a demand, then permission can be given for sale of tender coconuts in multiplexes or cinema theatres by the jurisdictional corporation or urban local body,” Khandre said.

His reply did not make it clear whether tender coconuts as such or packaged tender coconut water sale would be allowed. Khandre, however, said there is no proposal before the government to ban sale of aerated beverages and other cool drinks in multiplexes and malls.

The Tamil Nadu government recently banned sale of aerated beverages in multiplexes on health grounds and said only tender coconut water would be available for movie goers.

Home minister G Parameshwara said the CM would take a call on selling of tender coconuts in 1,500 multi plexes in the state.