The 107th Foundation Day of the ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute was celebrated on 5th January, 2023 in a dual mode.

Dr. A.K. Singh, Deputy Director General (Hort. Science), ICAR, New Delhi, delivered the Foundation Day address virtually. He called upon the scientists to adapt to the changes happening in the sector in order to succeed. He emphasised the need for increased planting material production and large-scale planting material production in light of the predominantly senile planting population in coconut, for which the tissue culture technique could be used. In addition, he mentioned how crucial it is for the farmer to have access to the new technologies at his doorstep. Regarding the exports, the growth rates are promising, and we need to further strengthen our efforts to have better global market access.

Dr. V.B. Patel, ADG (Fruits and Plantation Crops), highlighted the rising global demand for coconut water, which is growing at double digit annual growth rates. He emphasised the importance of collecting continuous and long-term data on perennially based plantation cropping systems in order to answer climate resilience research questions.

The Dr. K.V. Ahmed Bavappa memorial lecture was delivered by Dr. Nirmal Babu, former Director, ICAR-IISR, Kozhikode. He highlighted the importance of many years of research data, which is the basis on which small countries like Sri Lanka and Vietnam are meticulously following and producing for the world.

Institute awards for the employees were given away by Dr. Dinakara Adiga, Director, ICAR-DCR, Puttur: The Interdisciplinary Award was given to the team comprising Dr. Vinayaka Hegde, Dr. VH Prathibha, Dr. Rajkumar, Dr. M. Sujithra, Dr. Daliyamol, Dr. C. Thamban and Dr. MK Rajesh. The best technical staff award was given to Dr. T. Sivakumar, SMS, KVK, Kayamkulam.

Dr. Dinesh, Director, ICAR-IISR, Kozhikode and Dr M.N. Sheela, Director (Acting), ICAR-CTCRI, Thiruvananthapuram and Dr. M.V. Prasad, Director (Acting) ICAR-IIOPR, Pedavegi, offered felicitations.

Dr. K. Muralidharan Director (Acting) presided over the function and highlighted the research findings made in the previous year.

Dr. K.B. Hebbar, HoD, PB&PHT, welcomed the gathering and Shri P. Krishna Kumar, Administrative Officer, proposed a vote of thanks.

The foundation day programme was followed by a business entrepreneurial "Kalpa - Green Chat" programme.

Scientific team comprising Dr. Vinayaka Hegde, Dr. VH Prathibha, Dr. Rajkumar, Dr. M. Sujithra, Dr. Daliyamol, and Dr. MK Rajesh with the best research team award certificates along with dignitories

Dr. T. Sivakumar, SMS, KVK receiving the best Techncal Staff award.