ICAR CPCRI Regional Station Krishnapuram, Kayamkulam launched an year long programs as part of its Platinum Jubilee celebrations on 24-04-2022, inaugurated by Shri P. Prasad, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture Development and Farmer’s Welfare, Govt. of Kerala. The foundation stone of the institute was laid by His Highness Marthanda Varma, B.A., Elayaraja of the Princely State of Kerala on 24-04-1947, prior to India’s Independence. Adv A.M Arif, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Alappuzha stressed the importance of improving the productivity of coconut and bringing our innovations and processing avenues of coconut, coir and other industrial products from coconut besides food security through coconut and homestead farming systems. He also launched the Snow Ball Tender Nut (SBTN) unit by an young entrepreneur from FFP project area Mr. Sree kumar Hari and released the logo of the product. Smt. P Sasikala, Chairperson, Kayamkulam Municipality released the coffee table book on “ICAR-CPCRI, Regional Station, Kayamkulam @75-Serving Coconut Farmers since 1947”, highlighting the historical science journey and technological solutions offered to coconut farmers. Dr Anitha Karun, Acting Director in her introductory remarks highlighted the successful journey of Kayamkulam since1947. A very grand exhibition of farmers products, coconut varieties and technologies, coconut products by various entrepreneurs, Odanadu Farmer producer Company, Coconut Development Board (CDB), Coir Board, Spices Board, ICAR CTCRI, SPIC, and planting material sales. During the grand function OFPC for which ICAR CPCRI is the POPI, launched the unique program‘ COCONUT CARE & COVER” for rapid translation and adoption in farmers gardens offering technology based services and support. A tissue culture coconut seedling block consisting of 10 seedlings were planted by the dignitaries during Kalpa Vajra inauguration day at Institute campus.

A farmers’ seminar was also organized on the occasion chaired by Dr. George V. Thomas, Former Director, ICAR-CPCRI. In the technical session Mr. P.M. Mathew, ‘Kera Kesari’ Award winner shared his experience on inclusive farming. Mrs. Leenamol M.A., Market Promotion Officer, CDB, Kochi talked about the schemes implemented by Coconut Development Board, Kochi. Mrs. Renu P. Viswam, Statistical Investigator, CDB highlighted on ‘Crop insurance & Kera Suraksha Scheme’. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Sr. Scientific Officer, CCRI, Kalavoor talked on‘Coir and value-added coir products for sustainable development’. Dr A. Abdul Haris, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CPCRI, RS, Kayamkulam spoke on ‘Organic coconut cultivation’ and Dr P. Subramanian, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CPCRI, Kasaragod empowered the farmers on ‘High density multi species cropping involving spices and cocoa’. More than 700 farmers attended the programme. Dr P Anithakumari, Acting Head welcomed the gathering and Dr Regi J. Thomas, Principal Scientist proposed vote of thanks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

.