Bhubaneswar:In India, World Coconut Day is celebrated every year under the aegis of Coconut Development Board. India is leading in coconut production and productivity and occupies the third position in area under coconut among the major coconut producing countries of the world.And comes behind Indonesia and Philipines
Indonesia is the World leader of Coconut Production, where Indonesia produces 183,000,000 Tonnes of Coconut., Philipines comes second with production 153,532,000 Tonnes, and While India is Ranked Third with Production of 119,300,000 Tonnes
Coconut Development Board celebrated 21st World Coconut Day under the theme ‘Coconut for Family Wellness’ on Monday at KIIT Campus in Odisha.
Around 700 Coconut Farmers
and entrepreneurs across India participated in the daylong technical session and valedictory session
The focus of the programme was a technical session handled by
subject matter specialists for creating awareness on the benefits of the
coconut and also for equipping the farmers with the latest and up to date
scientific practices in its management, processing, value addition and export.
An exhibition showcasing various innovative value added products of coconut and latest technologies in coconut sector was placed at the premises of KIIT University. Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India was the Chief Guest and Dr Arun Kumar Sahoo, Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha presided over the programme
Around 1.2 Crore Farmers get direct Employment from Coconut Plantation said Union Agriculture Minister “Narendra Singh Tomar” He informed that CDB(Coconut Development Board) has allocated around Rs. 29 crores for the farmers of the state who are affected by the recent cyclone Fani in Odisha
The government is committed in the development of coconut cultivation, processing and value addition. Coconut Development Board is playing a major role in the implementation of same. Around 490 units are already functioning in the country with the financial assistance of the Board which has be to be doubled by 2020. Coconut is having high prospects in value addition and an array of products can be developed from coconut. Board is also playing a commendable role in undertaking skill development programmes and thereby generating employment opportunities in the sector. He appreciated the state for occupying a prominent position in the coconut map of the country and he offered all possible cooperation and assistance of the Government of India for the welfare of the farmers of the country
Saurabh Garg, Principal Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment, Government of Odisha, and Sanjay Agarwal, Secretary, Dept. of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Government of India were the Guests of Honour. Ms Usha Rani, Chairperson, Coconut Development Board, Abhishek Raghuvanshi P A to Union Minister and Dr. Biswanath Rath, Vice Chairman, Coconut Development Board were also present at the event
