ICAR-CPCRI-Farmer FIRST Programme (FFP), on behalf of World Coconut Day 2021 and Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav conducted a programme on 03 September 2021 at conference hall, Pathiyoor panchayath, integrating online and offline mode under strict covid protocol. As a part of this, the launching of procurement of dehusked coconut from FFP coconut farmers linking with Odanadu Farmers Producer Company Ltd. (OFPC) funded by NABARD formed under ICAR-CPCRI - FFP were inaugurated and also five model FFP coconut farmers were honoured. The programme started at 11.30 AM with ICAR theme song. Dr. P. Anithakumari, PS & PI (FFP), ICAR-CPCRI, RS, Kayamkulam, delivered the welcome speech and she pointed out the activities and achievements of FFP at Pathiyoor panchayath for the past five years. She also expressed immense gratitude towards the stakeholders for their support and cooperation. Smt. L. Usha, President, Pathiyoor panchayath gave the presidential address.

Adv. U. Prathibha, MLA, Kayamkulam inaugurated World Coconut Day programme formally and launched coconut procurement programme under FFP by accepting fresh dehusked coconuts from three farmers and handing over the cheque during the function. During her speech she mentioned the activities implemented and efforts of FFP in declaring Pathiyoor as fallow free land, extending the sesamum cultivation to 150 acres from 4 acres by women farmers of FFP in convergence with MGNREGS, introduction of various HYV crops of ragi, amorphophallus, turmeric, fodder, vegetables etc, enhanced the cultivation of more crops in the panchayath and through the rejuvenation of around 88 natural ponds, conservation of water resources and ensuring sustainable food security through fish cultivation, improving the livelihood standards of women farmers and branding of “Pathiyoor egg” through poultry farming were appreciated and are notable achievements. She emphasised the relevance of Pathiyoor model of FFP in doubling the income of farmers. Farmers Mr. Rajesh, Varikkolil (Coconut Based Integrated Farming), Mr. Soman (Tender Nut Procurement And Marketing), Mr. Ashokan (Coconut Based Intercropping Model), Mr. Jayakumar, Punnoormadom (Scientific Management Of Coconut), Mr. Bhasuran (Intercropping In Coconut Garden) were felicitated and presented with mementos and certificates by Adv. U. Prathibha, MLA, Kayamkulam, Smt. Mani Viswanath, Muthukulam block panchayath member, Shri. K.G. Santhosh, Member, District Panchayath, Alappuzha, Shri. Manu Chellappan, Vice President, Panchayath, Pathiyoor and respective ward members of Pathiyoor Panchayath. Shri. K.G. Santhosh, Member, District Panchayath, Alappuzha, handed over various machineries of FFP and MoU of machineries like copra drier, coconut pulveriser, keraprobio lab equipments, garden tiller and motorized weeder machine to FFP farmers and OFPC and also he launched the Common Facility Centre for farmers. Dr. S. Kalavathi, Acting Head, ICAR-CPCRI RS, Kayamkulam delivered the keynote address and she acknowledged the various activities of FFP to ensure sustainable farm income through area wide responsible extension approaches and dissemination of scientific technologies. Besides, she launched the FFP plant protection programme of coconut by distributing coconut climbing machine and plant protection kit to Smt. Archana, an young educated and skilled woman labour, who is leading the labour group of coconut climbers, through virtual mode.

Shri. Jithin Shaju, Senior Research Fellow, FFP, CPCRI RS, Kayamkulam proposed the vote of thanks and the programme was came to an end with national anthem. The programme was attended by FFP farmers and representatives in online mode also.