A flagship programme on ‘Integrated Management of Root (wilt) in Coconut’ as Laying out of Demonstration Plots (LoDP) supported by Coconut Development Board, Kochi with the patronage of Tamil Nadu State Department of Horticulture & Plantation Crops was launched on 15-11-2024. The programme is implemented in 100 ha area in four clusters (viz., Vadakarai, Kanakkapillai valasu, Kadayanallur and Puliyarai) in Tenkasi district.

In a simple ceremony held at the Nannagaram Community Hall, Melagram Block Panchayat near Courtallam, Dr. K. Baalachandra Hebbar, Director, ICAR-CPCRI, Kasaragod launched the programme by lighting the traditional lamp with other dignitaries. In his presidential address, he highlighted the role of ICAR-CPCRI, Regional Station, Kayamkulam in effectively combating root (wilt) disease in Kerala through area-wide farmer-participatory management approaches. He opined that timely diagnosis, resistant varieties (Kalparaksha, Kalpasree, Kalpa Vajra)/tolerant hybrid (Kalap Sankara) and inclusive management package are the core strategies to manage the debilitating and non-lethal disease.

In his special address, Shri. M. Elango, Deputy Director of Horticulture outlined the synergistic role of ICAR-CPCRI and State Department of Horticulture in the outreach of the flagship programme among the coconut fraternity of the district. Shri E. Aravazhi, Director (Development), CDB, Regional Office, Coimbatore highlighted on the various schemes operated by CDB for the welfare of the coconut community. A technical session on “Palm Health Management” was handled by Dr. P. Subramanian, Head, Division of Crop Production, ICAR-CPCRI, Kasaragod.

Dr. Regi J. Thomas, Head, ICAR-CPCRI, RS, Kayamkulam welcomed the gathering and Dr A. Joseph Rajkumar, Principal Scientist and Principal Investigator of the project outlined the programme activities. Smt. M. Thangam, ADH, Tenkasi and Smt. K. Subashini, ADH, Kadayanallur offered felicitations. Dr. S. Indhuja, Scientist proposed vote of thanks.

A pamphlet about the “Integrated Management of Root (wilt) in Coconut” in Tamil as well as a “Management kit for coconut root (wilt) disease” were released and distributed to the farmers during the occasion. More than 100 farmer beneficiaries participated in the programme.