A five-days training programme for KVK officials of North-East Region on ‘Scientific cultivation of coconut, arecanut and cocoa’ was inaugurated by Dr. K. B. Hebbar, Director, ICAR-CPCRIon from 14 July, 2023.

In his inaugural address Dr. K. B. Hebbar, Director, ICAR-CPCRI, told that “North east is the future hope and suitable region for plantation crops and thrust is to increase productivity in the region. There is a need for better understanding of the crop and availability of technological alternatives towards achieving the goals”. He stressed the need for innovation and technology development to tackle changing climate. Value addition is the means to tackle price fluctuations.He also presented reoriented researchable areas to the IRC delegates for giving more thrust upon them.

The Institute Research Council meeting was held from 10 to 14 July 2023 to refine, remodulate and formulate to programme for 2023-24 also concluded during this session.

Chief Coconut Development Officer, Dr. Hanumanthe Gowda from Coconut Development Board, Kochi, was the chief guest of the programme. He briefed the economic concern for the plantation crops. He urged CPCRI to release State-wise specific package of management practices of coconut, which will help in betterment of productivity.

Guest of Honor, Sri H. Krishnakumar, MD, CAMPCO, in his speech told thatgood quality aspect in agricultural products is important to maintain a high position in the global market. For this collaborative work is to be carried out involving scientists, industrialists and farmers. He also told to adhere to FSSAI standards to maintain the quality.

Prograssive farmers, officials from state agriculture departments,KVK officials of North-East Region and scientists of ICAR-CPCRI participated in the programme.