World Coconut Day with a theme “Coconut for a circular economy building: partnership for maximum value” was celebrated on September 02, 2024 at ICAR-CPCRI, Kasaragod. The chief guest of the function Sri. P. Prasad, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture, Soil Survey & Soil Conservation, Kerala Agriculture University and Warehousing Corporation, Govt. of Kerala appreciated the CPCRI for remembering to celebrate a day for the ‘tree of life’. "A circular economy is most essential for sustainability and the theme 'Coconut for a circular economy building: partnership for maximum value' coined by International Coconut Community is timely and apt” he said. Minister invited coconut-centred farming to tackle environmental changes with adoption of circular agriculture. He also indicated that coconut milk is the superior one among the coconut, almond and soya milks. He stressed coconut-based secondary agriculture to benefit entrepreneurial growth. He also invited the scientific community to find simple solutions against the rhinoceros beetle and red palm weevil menace in coconut.

Dr. S.K. Singh, DDG (Hort. Sci.) ICAR New Delhi, presided over the function. He indicated that the coconut tree has nothing to waste. He urged to tackle climate change with smarter ways of farming. The coconut sector with around 200 products extends round the year employment opportunities, catering the demands for India and to lead the world, overcoming the competitions posed by other countries.

Dr. K. Balachandra Hebbar, Director welcomed the guests and in opening remarks, he highlighted the achievements of CPCRI. He mentioned about release of two coconut varieties, Kalpa Suvarna and Kalpa Vajra by Hon'ble Prime Minister on11 August, 2024 and two new identified varieties Kalpa Nakshatra and Kalpa Dhare. He also highlighted trait-linked varieties, mass multiplication protocols, precision farming in coconut-based cropping systems, pest and disease management systems, drone-based spray, forewarning systems, infrastructure development, machinery developed by the Institute. He emphasized collaborations for high-level achievements and skill development training by the Institute.

The Director also handed over a cheque of Rs. 3,66,000/- to Minister Sri. P. Prasad as a contribution to the Kerala CM's Distress Relief Fund for Wayanad disaster from the staff of CPCRI.

The guest of honor, Shri N.A. Nellikkunnu, Hon’ble MLA, Kasaragod, said that technologies developed by CPCRI including neera deserve a good presence within Kerala like the other states.

During the programme few of the successful farmers Smt Sushama P. T., Tirur, Malappuram, Kerala, Kondana Chandrashekara Gatty from Karnataka, Shri Senthilkumar, Pollachi, Tamil Naduand entrepreneurs Shri Nagaraja H. R. Pro-B, Bangalore, Shri Krishnan Prakodal, Bioplus, Shri EJ Joseph, Gramalakshmi Marketing Producer Company were honored by the Minister.

MoU on CPCRI technologies were signed with entrepreneurs Shri Kusumadhar SK, SK Coconut Producer Company for Kalpa Suvarna coconut variety, Shri Kumara Swamy for Shatamangala arecanut variety, Shri Manikantan C., Maharaja Food P and Dr Harikrishnan, Lodhra-Coconut Chips, Shri Solanky Nanabhai, Kalparasa.

“Kalpa Bliz – Flavored Coconut Mylk” a product by ICAR-CPCRI was launched by the Minister on the occasion. Aerated coconut water 'Zila' by an entrepreneur from Uppala, Kasaragod was also launched on the occasion. Publications viz., Output, Outcome and Impact; Quality Seedling of Coconut; Coconut Halwa; Intercropping Tapioca under Coconut, Ready Reckoner Assamese were released by the dignitaries.

Dr. Rajesh Kannan Megalingam, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetam in his felicitation opined that the age old practices need to be replaced with latest methods with AI to revolutionize the coconut sector.

Dr. B. Augustine Jerard, PC Palms, highlighted that India is a global partner with 23 member countries of ICC and coconut can fulfill 13 out of 17 Sustainable Developmental Goals identified by the United Nations for development.

Shri Sharon Nawaz, DDM, NABARD and Smt. K N Jyothikumari, DDA, Dept. Agriculture felicitated the function.

Dr. K. Ponnusamy, HOD of Social Science proposed vote of thanks to all participants of inaugural session.

In the afternoon a stakeholders -scientist interface session was held to enlighten the stakeholders about the technologies developed by the institute. About 400 participants were present in the celebration.