A significant event aimed at revolutionizing coconut cultivation in the coastal district of Udupi is set to take place next month. A mega workshop focused on coconut development will be organized by the Central Coconut Development Board in collaboration with the Udupi district horticulture department on January 12.
MP Announces Preparations for Key Agricultural Event
The announcement was made by Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Kota Shrinivasa Poojary during a preparatory meeting held at the deputy commissioner's office. The meeting was convened to plan a comprehensive awareness program for coconut growers across the district. Poojary directed officials to finalize a suitable venue in Kundapur taluk within two days and ensure all arrangements are made for a smooth and impactful event.
Highlighting the agricultural significance, the MP noted that coconut is cultivated over a substantial area of 16,252 hectares in Udupi district. The region's sandy coastal soil and higher-than-average rainfall create an ideal environment for coconut growth, making this workshop highly relevant for local farmers.
What Farmers Can Expect at the Workshop
The workshop is designed to be a comprehensive knowledge and exhibition hub. It will feature a diverse display of coconut-based products from across India, including items like Neera, jaggery, chocolate, and other rare coconut derivatives. Parallel exhibitions and sales fairs related to small industries, agriculture, and horticulture are also planned.
Farmers will gain access to critical information and demonstrations on a wide array of topics essential for modern cultivation. The key focus areas will include:
- Benefits and profitability of advanced coconut farming.
- Use of modern technology like robotic harvesters.
- Government incentives and insurance schemes for coconut cultivation.
- Value addition through products like coconut oil, milk, copra, and coir.
- Management of coconut diseases and cultivation of hybrid and dwarf varieties.
- Opportunities in Neera unit production and utilization of coconut shells.
In a gesture to recognize traditional wisdom, senior farmers with extensive expertise in coconut cultivation will be honored during the event.
Officials Emphasize Technology and Income Growth
Stressing the importance of inter-departmental coordination, MP Poojary urged all relevant departments to work together for the program's success. Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa TK outlined the workshop's core objective: to equip farmers with knowledge of modern farming practices and value addition techniques.
She encouraged farmers to actively adopt the technologies and information shared at the workshop to increase their income. By leveraging available incentives and focusing on value-added products, farmers can achieve greater economic success, she added. This initiative represents a concrete step towards strengthening the coconut economy in the coastal region of Karnataka.
