World Coconut day celebrated at ICAR-CCARI, Old Goa

        Coconut palm contributes to 1 % of GDP of Goa state and is part of life of people of Goa and recognized as state fruit of Goa. On 2 September every year around the World, coconut related research, development and farmer organizations celebrate the world coconut day. On 05 Sep 2022 world coconut day was celebrated at ICAR-CCARI, Goa by All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Palms –Goa centre and Schedule Tribe Component (STC) of ICAR-CCARI. During the event twenty two farmers, farm workers, padelis participated in the event.
        Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director ICAR-CCARI chaired the inauguration meeting and briefed the participants about the World Coconut day genesis and importance of coconut in sustainable livelihoods of coconut growers and health of consumers. He also stressed the need for enhancing productivity of coconut palms in Goa state and listed serious pests affecting the crop. The inauguration was followed by short lectures on pest management by Dr. R Maruthadurai, Senior Scientist (Ag. Entomology) and on disease management by Dr R. Ramesh, Principal Scientist (Plant Pathology). The trainees visited the experimental fields and nursery of the institute and attended demo on use of coconut climbing device. Few of the trainees also practiced use of coconut climbing device. Participants visited the virgin coconut oil plant at ICAR-KVK, North Goa and Coconut-fodder plot.
        Dr. V. Arunachalam, Principal Scientist (Horticulture) and Scientist in charge AICRP (Palms) Goa centre, organized the event with the help of Ms. Sunetra Talaulikar SMS (Home Science) ICAR-KVK, North Goa and village panchayat of Surla. Smt Vishranti Surlakar Sarpanch of Surla village panchayat graced the occasion and participated in the celebrations.