India, Aug. 19 -- Kerala, quite literally meaning the land of coconut trees, may soon be on the verge of complete contradiction of its name - with groves thinning, skills dropping and yields suffering declines.

Products like coconut oil which are both as a staple and a reliable source of income are now priced at higher rates, reported PTI. Reasons include shrinking farmlands, rising real estate prices, crop diseases and climate change.

For many families, the soaring prices cut deep, altering kitchens and traditions. Reports have emerged of people switching to cheaper alternatives to coconut oil.

Today, Kerala suffers from a serious shortage of skilled coconut tree climbers. Earlier it was these climbers who played an intangible role be...