World Coconut day celebrations at ICAR-CCARI Old Goa

 

World Coconut day celebrations at ICAR-CCARI Old Goa


World Coconut day is observed worldwide to recognize the contributions of coconut farmers on 2 Sep of every year. It was celebrated at ICAR-CCARI Old Goa with support from ICAR-AICRP on Palms-Goa centre and ICAR-KVK North Goa and ICAR-CCARI Old Goa on 4 Sep 2017. The inaugural ceremony was held at conference hall in the forenoon chaired by Dr EB Chakurkar Director (A) ICAR-CCARI Old Goa. Dr V Arunachalam Principal Scientist (Horticulture) & In-charge ICAR-AICRP on Palms-Goa centre and Mr RS Joshi from Directorate of Agriculture Government of Goa graced the occasion. 
The technical session consisted of six lectures by experts and practical demonstrations and field visits. 
About 25 farmers from various parts of the state participated in the function. During the technical session, Mr Ragunath S Joshi briefed the farmers about various schemes and subsidies of the state government and central government through coconut development board. Dr AR Desai Sr Scientist (Horticulture) explained  various options available in coconut to include intercrops to augment the income. Dr MJ Gupta Scientist (Agricultural structres and process engineering) explained the mechanization in coconut cultivation with special reference to climbing devices. Dr V Arunachalam Principal Scientist (Horticulture) explained the varieties, hybrids of coconut and briefed the mother palms selection and nursery management aspects.  Dr S Priya devi Sr Scientist (Horticulture) briefed the various fruit crops suitable for intercropping in coconut garden. Ms Sunetra Talaulikar SMS (Home Science) ICAR-KVK North Goa, explained the value addition aspects of coconut with special reference to virgin coconut oil. The practical session consisted on demo on use of coconut tree climbing device, root feeding and manure application.
 The farmers actively interacted with the experts and clarified their doubts on various aspects of coconut cultivation and utilization.